Summary
Through EAP, you will develop a global understanding of the structure
and dynamics of complex environmental systems. At the same time, you
will gain experience with ecosystems not found in California and witness
how other countries respond to unique environmental situations. Many
of today’s most pressing environmental issues—such as
climate change, air and water pollution, natural resource consumption,
invasive species, and biodiversity loss—traverse national boundaries.
Exposure to new perspectives, policies, and approaches to such issues
allows you to better understand the challenges they present for global
action and regulation.
Join the many UC environmental studies/sciences students who will study abroad this year through EAP!
Program Options
Featured Opportunities
Australia: University of Western Australia
Denmark: University of Copenhagen
South Africa: University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg
Special-focus Programs
Australia: Marine Biology and Terrestrial Ecology Program
Costa Rica: Tropical Biology & Conservation,
Monteverde Institute
Find the right program for you:
- Use the EAP Program Search Engine to find programs offering environmental studies courses.
- Browse the MyEAP Course Catalog for environmental studies courses previously taken by EAP students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered.
- For additional course information, check the Academic Focus section found on all the program summary pages for each country.
Related Pages: Agricultural
Sciences, Biological
Sciences
Information for Your Major
Check your campus link below to see if your department has provided specific information about
study abroad:
Many environmental challenges are global, while others are focused in specific regions of the planet. Other nations have different attitudes about environmental affairs, have different approaches to environmental policy, and are applying different environmental technologies. Thus, doing environmental studies abroad provides a broader perspective than a student can get studying solely in the US.
—Professor Josh Schimel
Department of Environmental Studies
UC Santa Barbara
Student Comments
"While in Tasmania, I took a class called Antarctic Ecology. My professor lectured on everything, from zooplankton to penguins, and even flew in some Antarctic sea ice for us to analyze during a lab session. The interactive, hands-on dynamic of the Australian classroom taught me that I’m
capable of questioning and researching any purported fact or hypothesis in science."
—Julia Halverson, Australia
"I took trips to copper mines and protected forests, and learned that the low cost of extracting and exporting these resources in Chile is partially due to the extensive environmental regulations in developed countries. Now I realize that US environmental policy has an impact on natural resources throughout the world."
—Jeremy Schwartzbord, Chile
"The experience I gained in Costa Rica studying conservation and tropical biology and conducting an individual research project helped me prepare for grad school. Through visits to a fishing village, farms, and conservation areas, the program provided a unique perspective on local and governmental efforts to conserve tropical ecosystems."
—Lacy Smith, Costa Rica
"I took courses on the sociology of sustainable consumption, German environmental politics, and international biological conservation. Germany is much more literate as a country in the environmental area, especially in their ideas about comfortable daily life and fostering the environment."
—Tomoko Tamagawa, Germany
"Learning about globalization, sustainable development, and ecotourism from an Asian perspective was fascinating. While abroad, I conducted a research study on plastic bag waste in Hong Kong. EAP will bring your understanding of environmental concepts, problems, and solutions to a higher level by exposing you to different cultures and ways of thinking."
—Deborah Chong, Hong Kong
"I took a class called Plants and Society that looked at how society related to the plant world, focusing on scientific, social, and political aspects. It was more comprehensive than any course I've taken at home and had a uniquely African flavor. It showed me that different parts of the world view the importance of environmental sciences differently and that there is a cultural aspect involved even in the sciences."
—Anna Downs, South Africa
Internships & Research
While on EAP, you can extend your education beyond the classroom through an internship or research project focused on your specific interests. Below are some examples. Check the main Internships, Research, & Independent Study page for EAP's policies governing academic credit for such activities.
Sample Internships
Internship opportunities vary term to term and placements CANNOT be guaranteed or arranged prior to arrival at your program site.
The following are past examples only and do not indicate future availability.
- The Federal Parliament of Australia. Duties included researching emissions trading schemes as part of a national and global response to climate change, and evaluating the potential outcomes, impacts, costs, and benefits to the economy, various industries, environment, and society. (Australia)
- CONAMA, the Chilean government’s environmental protection agency. Duties focused on increasing citizen awareness and participation in recycling programs, as well as helping to develop a regional office recycling program and local compost plant. (Chile)
- Greenpeace Chile. Duties focused on environmental awareness presentations and pamphlets for elementary and middle school children, as well as helping on the campaign to protect forests in Southern Chile. (Chile)
- The West African Primate Conservation Action at the Accra Zoo. Duties focused on public education and awareness of biological conservation projects undertaken by the zoo. (Ghana)
- Miriam College Environmental Studies Institute, which engages in research and advocacy activities toward popular empowerment and environmentally sustainable development. Duties included assisting with regularly scheduled solid waste management workshops in Metro Manila public schools. (Philippines)
Sample Research or Independent Study Projects
- The effects of tourism on the natural environment of Barbados. Research topics included the economic and environmental impact of tourism, land usage and environmental preservation, and the development of eco-tourism. (Barbados)
- The state of Chile’s wild fish population. Research focused on the health and stability of Chilean fisheries in relation to the increasing use of “salmoneras” (salmon farms) and related aquaculture methods. (Chile)
- A survey of the impact of natural phenomena and human activities on coastal and marine environments of the Red Sea Coast. This project took an interdisciplinary approach, touching on geology and oceanography in addition to the focus on marine biology and ecology. (Egypt)
- Water quality analysis and environmental awareness in Didiman Community. Research focused on collecting biophysical data in and around the water supply, as well as assessing the population’s knowledge, value, and use of the water system. This project concluded with a public awareness campaign. (Ghana)
- Energy regulation in Querétaro. Research topics included energy laws, industrial compliance with these laws, and renewable energy possibilities in this region. (Mexico)
