STUDY ABROAD IN SCOTLAND: ORGANIZING AND RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL GEOSCIENCE SUMMER PROGRAM

Scotland, with its diverse and historically significant geology, makes for an ideal location to run a study abroad program with a major emphasis in the Geosciences. In addition, given the lack of a language barrier, Scotland appeals to many students for a first study abroad experience.

This summer, we took a group of 23 students to Scotland for a five-week session involving four courses. Based in a smaller community near Edinburgh, we offered the courses, as well as internships, and directed independent study projects, which are all embedded in our university’s curriculum. Three field trips as well as an interdisciplinary project enriched the geological and cultural experience.

Running a successful program takes a team. We will share our best practices, beginning with the planning of a study abroad experience, through the execution of the program. These include: necessity of support from the home campus, ideally including a study abroad office; a well-chosen team of faculty and synergistic course offerings; the significance of the program’s setting in a rural area; and the importance of thoroughly planned field trips.