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Environmental Studies

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There are many options all over the world for students interested in Environmental Studies to study abroad. Many Environmental Studies majors will study abroad to complement their course work on campus, gain hands-on experience, research environmental policy, and more. This page contains information that will assist Environmental Studies majors in determining how to integrate study abroad into their Brandeis careers.

Sample of Approved Programs with Environmental Studies Coursework

Arava Institute for Environmental Studies - Kibbutz Ketura, Israel
Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies in Bocas del Toro (SFS) - Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Wildlife Management Studies in Rhotia (SFS) - Rhotia, Tanzania

Studying abroad on a pre-approved program is one of three ways Environmental Studies majors and minors can fulfill the ENVS Applied Learning Experience requirement. Review this list to see all programs pre-approved by Environmental Studies to fulfill this requirement.

Visit the Brandeis Approved Programs List to search a range of study abroad programs, but note that not all of these programs are pre-approved to fulfill the ENVS Applied Learning Experience. You can also filter options or search for unique program traits like internships or research. Additional programs might have acceptable coursework, but this list shows the primary locations where ENVS courses may be available.

Environmental Studies Pre-Reviewed Courses

View pre-reviewed course list here

The ENVS department has established a list of courses abroad that have been pre-reviewed for ENVS credit. Please note: if a program or course you are interested in is not listed here, it may just mean that it hasn't been requested previously. Speak to the Study Abroad Faculty Liaison about whether or not it may fulfill an ENVS requirement.

Study Abroad Liaison

To assist students with their academic choices abroad and to help answer any questions about receiving major/minor credit while abroad, each academic department and program has assigned a faculty member to serve as the Study Abroad Liaison. As every department has different policies regarding credit from abroad, the Study Abroad Liaison can assist you with guidance on major/minor credit. Find the Study Abroad Liaison for Environmental Studies here.

Receiving Credit in Environmental Studies

Students wishing to receive credit in Environmental Studies for coursework done off-campus during the academic year should discuss these plans with the Study Abroad Liaison. All students as part of their application process for either a summer or semester term abroad will be required to have a course proposal reviewed by the department if they wish to receive credit in that major/minor. For the semester, this is an initial conversation and students should continue to discuss plans with the department as they have more course information (syllabi, etc.). For the summer, courses are pre-approved. Upon return, semester students should complete the Petition to Request Substitution for a Requirement form for final and formal review.

FAQs

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How do I choose a program?

Individual programs differ in their emphasis and features. The list of Brandeis approved programs differ in their focus on research, time spent in the classroom, amount of travel, extent of involvement in the local community, and required language skills. In addition, some programs focus more on environmental science (e.g., ecology and conservation biology) while others focus more on the social aspects of environmental studies. The Environmental Studies faculty, the Study Abroad office and students who have participated in program can all give you valuable information to help you determine which program is best for you.

It's best to select a program based on your individual goals with consistently high ratings and feedback from students, faculty and the Study Abroad Office. A list of programs based on their individual focus is listed below in the next section.

How many credits will I receive for my study abroad or away experience?

For the purposes of completing an Environmental Studies major or minor, the Environmental Studies faculty (study abroad liaison) will decide how many of your study abroad courses can be counted, and how they will be applied. This list shows which programs are pre-approved to fulfill the ENVS Applied Learning Experience. Additionally, most students are able to fulfill ENVS electives with courses taken abroad, typically 2-3 courses during the fall and spring and 1 course during the summer. Note that in general you cannot substitute your study abroad experience or classes to fulfill Fundamentals of Environmental Challenges (ENVS 2a).

Student Experience

Matt Smetana ’17

Major: Environmental Studies

Program: SFS/Australia: Rainforest Biodiversity

"I wanted to find a program that would give me an in-depth look into the ecology and environmental problems facing my host region. It was also very important to be surrounded by other passionate people excited to learn and explore together."

Read Matt's Profile