STUDY ABROAD AND FIELD EXPERIENCE

The Institute's faculty are committed to on-the-ground, field-based training of students. Indeed, fieldwork is central to understanding the complex linkages and feedbacks between humans and the environment. Simply put, getting out into the field provides training and experience that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom. To this end, the Institute plays an exemplary role at TCU — a University recognized for its global perspective. We offer several study abroad opportunities (for example, Environmental Issues in Costa Rica), Environmental Stewardship in Scotland, and Marine Ecology, which takes a 10-day field trip to Jamaica, as examples) as well as several field-based courses here in the US (for example, Natural History of the Southwest). In addition, many of our courses include at least one field trip (often more) with some being designated "Field Experience," where fieldwork is integral to the course.

This emphasis on field-based training is strongly driven by the Genius Loci concept, which translates simply as the Spirit of the Place. We believe that unusual off campus environments can catalyze effective learning experiences. In some specific areas of knowledge, for example biology, geology, ecology, geography, cultural sociology, and certainly environmental studies, the genius loci adds significantly to the overall impact of the educational experience. Students tend to ask more challenging questions when confronted by the immensity of the world around them. We constantly hear how students are transformed by such experiences, often change majors because of them, and simply become inspired.

Please contact Dr. Slattery for further details as well as funding opportunities for students.