DESIGNING THE CURRICULUM FOR FIELD STUDY ABROAD: Marine Biology in Panama and Tropical Ecology in Belize

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Title

Passport to Change: Designing Academically Sound, Culturally Relevant, Short-Term, Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

As seen throughout this volume, short-term study abroad programs provide unique opportunities for student learning and development, particularly for students who may not have the ability to participate in a semester-long program because of time, financial, or curricular constraints. Often, study abroad programs are framed in terms of experiencing a new culture, but in the natural sciences, exposure to ecosystems and biological processes that are not accessible near the home campus are of equal or greater value. Those unique habitats can be used in field-based programs, giving students the benefit of direct rather than remote exposure (Taraban, McKenney, Peffley, & Applegarth, 2004). Field experiences are not just limited to the natural sciences, however, as many disciplines such as anthropology, archaeology and geography are similarly enhanced by in situ experiences. Additionally, many cultures are intimately linked to their natural surroundings, making field study relevant to courses in almost any discipline.

First Page

110

Last Page

129

DOI

10.4324/9781003446286-9

ISBN

[9781000975864, 9781620365472]

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