Study off-campus
Take advantage of the many opportunities you have to study off-campus as a GEO student. Study geology in Montana, volcanoes in Hawaii or natural resource management in the American Northwest during interim, or go to place like the Netherlands or Thailand for a more extended stay.
Interim courses
Volcanoes in the Sea (Hawaii) - explores the natural and cultural history of Hawaii, Maui, Kauai and Oahu. Activities include hiking to active volcanoes and snorkeling to examine the islands' marine environment.
Big Sky Geology (May interim) - an affordable off-campus interim option that includes exploration of rocks, rivers and mountains in Montana.
Montana Field Methods - a new May-term field course that is highly recommended for geology majors. Contact Gerry Van Kooten for more information.
Earth Science for Educators (May-odd numbered years) - a geology immersion course in Montana, designed specifically for future teachers.
Who Owns the West? (May-alternate years) - a course based in Oregon, focusing on the balance of land/resource use with environmental protection, and how these decisions impact the people and the landscape of the American West.
Ethiopia: Communities of Hope - an interdisciplinary course balancing the rich history and culture of Ethiopia, informed by two thousand years of Christianity, and the challenges of severe poverty, minimal infrastructure and the AIDS epidemic.
Leadership, Geography and Culture in Kenya - an interdisciplinary course focusing on geography, economic development and Christianity in a cross-cultural setting (taught in collaboration with Messiah College).
Economic and Environmental Planning in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta - a new interim developed for an insight on planning, specifically focused on development concerning the environment in the very well-planning, organized city of Hong Kong
Semester programs
Calvin offers 12 off-campus semester programs. Any of these programs can fit into your course of study if you plan your schedule well.
Three programs may be of particular interest to GEO majors:
The semester in Thailand focuses on sustainability studies and includes courses in Thai language, the political ecology of forest, human rights and the environment and coastal ecology and culture.
The semester in the Netherlands is geared specifically towards science and engineering students, with a course on environmental sustainability and several science electives.
The semester in New Mexico includes a course in introductory geology and the option to take electives at the University of New Mexico-Gallup. The program also provides the opportunity for education students to do student teaching at Rehoboth Christian School.
