The Smith Center for Global Engagement provides opportunities to expand the liberal arts education learning globally and to local communities within the U.S. Programs are offered during January Term, fall semester, spring semester, and during a full academic year. There is an application process for each of these programs and courses. Semester and year-long programs tend to remain the same from year to year with some minor changes. January Term programs can differ based on faculty availability, budgets, and programming.
Smith Center programs can be viewed on the application database. Single searches and more advanced searches can be done to find a program within a student’s area of study and interest. For more information attend a 101 Session: Intro to Study Abroad/Away or program info session (see Smith Center Events for more details), meet with a Peer Advisor, and visit the Smith Center webpage for program costs, application instructions, and additional information.
Students who wish to count study abroad/away courses towards the Environmental Studies major or concentration should seek approval from the department chair, Dr. Kiara Jorgenson, before beginning their programs. Some restrictions apply. These study abroad/away courses offered by other institutions have already been approved for elective credit in the Environmental Studies major.
Popular Semester-Long Programs for Environmental Studies Majors
- Environmental Science in Australia & New Zealand (program paused for 2026)
Program Director: Dr. Paul Jackson, Chemistry & Environmental Studies - DIS Copenhagen or DIS Stockholm – Students choose from a core course that consists of two study tours (one regional and one longer tour to a European destination). Students also choose from a wide array of elective courses.
- Oregon Extension in Ashland, Oregon – Every fall semester, this community welcomes a four-month program of learning and study. The study is accomplished in intensive small-group and individual tutorial sessions, tailored to the students’ interests and needs.
- University of Otago in New Zealand – Students choose from courses in many discipline areas. Otago is the top ranked research university recognized worldwide for its research excellence.
Recent January Term Options
- ASES 277 Environmental Sustainability in Asia (Japan)
Program Leader: Dr. Kathy Tegtmeyer Pak, Asian Studies & Political Science - ENVST 242 Contemplative Desert Ecologies
Program Leader: Dr. Kiara Jorgenson, Religion & Environmental Studies - ENVST 268 Sustainable Land Use in Costa Rica
Program Leader: Dr. Seth Binder, Economics & Environmental Studies
Other Past January Term Programs
- ARTH 261 O’Keefe’s Art and New Mexico
- BIO 253 Water in Morocco
- BIO 281 Winter Ecology
- BIO 282 Desert Biology
- BIO 287 Island Biology in the Bahamas
- BIO 288 Equatorial Biology
- PSYCH 227 Environmental Psychology in the Rocky Mountains