Policy:
The geology department feels that study abroad programs can augment a geology student's major/minor at Middlebury College. Depending on the geographic location, differing tectonic and geological processes occur. Going abroad allows the student to experience these differing geological regimes that don't exist in Vermont.
The department has identified several off-campus programs in geology that are acceptable. A list of potential programs and a list of recent programs attended by geology majors/minors are listed on the departmental web site. Students are required to discuss their options with their academic advisor or the department chair before approval is granted.
Guidelines for students considering
studying abroad in geology:
Programs vary widely in content, rigor, and focus. In order to receive credit, students should have their proposed program of study approved by the department BEFORE going abroad. Only courses with sufficient geology content will be granted geologycredit at Middlebury. For example courses in paleobotany, although offered in some university geology departments, would not receive geology credit but could be applied to general graduation credit.
General guidelines:
We recommend that students study abroad for one semester only and they are on campus their sixth semester (second semester of their junior year).All geology core courses (GL201, GL211 and GL281) should be taken at Middlebury prior to studying abroad.Students are responsible for their graduation and major/minor requirements. Our department cannot guarantee that all courses will be available upon return to campus.Advisors or department chair must approve a program for study abroad in advance. Upon completion of courses abroad, students should bring back their course syllabi, exams, and papers for review prior to receiving credit.If courses that have been previously approved are not available when you go abroad or a course is switched, approval may be obtained through contacting your advisor or department chair.