For International Studies majors, study abroad is an integral part of their academic program; indeed, IS is one of the few majors that requires study abroad. Not only is study abroad required, but IS majors are strongly advised to study abroad for a year. Experience has shown that when it comes to language and cultural understanding, a full year abroad is far superior to a semester abroad.
Being abroad for a full year, however, requires more planning on the part of students to meet major requirements. Although the IS major is designed to accommodate study abroad for a year, preparation is still essential. In particular, students musttake their IS core course (IS101) before going abroad, and should also have taken at least 2 (and preferably 3) disciplinary courses. In addition, since students will want to know as much as possible about their region of focus prior to departure, they should take 2 regional courses before going abroad.
When planning coursework abroad, students should prepare a balanced program, i.e., they should spread their course work among the humanities, language, and the social sciences. In addition, they should take advantage of the unique opportunities presented by study abroad to seek out courses that they would not be able to take at Middlebury. These will frequently be what we would consider to be "regional" courses at Middlebury, and students should try to identify such courses with the help of their advisors. Keep in mind, as well, that all IS majors must take 2 disciplinary courses that focus on their region, and if there are no such courses available at Middlebury, they must take them while abroad.
Credit transfer for courses taken abroad works as follows: if a student is approved to study abroad, s/he normally receives a semester or year's worth of college credit for an equivalent period of study abroad, so long as the student takes a "normal full load" abroad and receives grades of C- or higher. To receive disciplinary credit for the classes they take abroad, the department chair in the appropriate discipline must approve these courses. To receive regional creditfor the courses taken abroad, the regional program director must approve the courses. In some cases, when courses have been approved for disciplinary or regional credit in the past, or if students can show the relevant faculty members sufficient information about the courses prior to departure, students will know ahead of time if they can count on receiving credit. In others, such approval will not be given until students return from abroad, and in these cases students should bring back all relevant course material to show to department chairs or program directors, who will make the final decision on major credit.
Finally, students should use their time abroad to prepare for senior work. In particular, students who are planning to write a thesis should explore thesis topics while abroad and should keep in touch with their advisors back in Vermont, who can provide direction on thesis work. In the past, students have been able-while still "in the field," as it were-to gather materials (documents, books, etc.) and conduct interviews with relevant academics or policy makers that they have been able to use in writing their theses. It is never too early to begin thesis research.
Study Abroad FAQs for IS majors:
Q. Is it difficult to complete the IS major if I study abroad for a year?
A. No. Students are required to take language to the level they need to study abroad. They are required to take 5 or 6 disciplinary courses, which can be taken before going abroad, while abroad, or after returning. They are required to take 3 or 4 regional courses, and these courses can also be taken while abroad. The senior program-an IS seminar, an upper-level language course, and a disciplinary seminar-take up 3 of a student's senior year courses, which is hardly onerous.
Q. What programs should I consider for study abroad?
A. For many students, the C.V. Starr schools abroad will be most appropriate. Within each country where Middlebury has programs, however, there are frequently several choices. Where there are such choices, students should consult faculty in their disciplinary specialization-or the web pages of both departments and schools abroad-to find out which particular locations each discipline recommends. Where Middlebury does not have its own program-or where a student's particular interests make a non-Middlebury program more appropriate-students should consult faculty members in their discipline and/or the Office of Off-Campus Study for advice on appropriate programs.
Q. What courses should I take before going abroad?
A. IS101. As many specifically required disciplinary courses as possible (some disciplinary courses are specifically required, while others are electives; focus on the former). At least 2 regional courses, to get a good grounding in the region. Consult with your advisor or with your area program director if you have any questions as to the courses to take before going abroad.
Q. When should I start thinking about a thesis?
A. If you think a thesis is in your future, you should start thinking about it, and discussing it with your advisor, while you are abroad (and the sooner you start this process, the better). You should also think about what resources you can use for your thesis-faculty, libraries, archives, bookstores, etc.-that you will only have access to while you are abroad.