This spring, Macalester will offer a new study abroad program called “Globalization and the Natural Environment: South Africa.”

The new program will provide Macalester students with an opportunity to spend spring semester at the University of Cape Town in South Africa. The program will integrate coursework with fieldwork in environmental studies.

Macalester currently runs only one other semester program, which allows students to study abraod in Germany and Austria.

Although students with an academic background in environmental or international studies are especially encouraged to apply, International Center Director Michael Monahan said that he “would love to see philosophy majors exploring environmental ethics…through this program”.

Students interested in participating in this year’s spring semester session, running from January 4, 2004 to July 18, 2004, must turn in their applications by Friday, Oct. 3, the study abroad application deadline for spring semester. They will be notified of whether they were accepted by October 20.

The International Center will give preferential treatment to students with at least junior status, three or more semesters of coursework related to environmental studies and at least four semesters of science coursework.

Although students with an academic background in environmental or international studies are especially encouraged to apply, International Center Director Michael Monahan said that he “would love to see philosophy majors exploring environmental ethics…through this program”.

About three years ago, Monahan noticed that “most Environmental studies Students were studying abroad at some point” and that “some study abroad programs were receiving mixed reviews from students…some would have strong academic programming, and others would have a lot of field work opportunity.”

Monahan sensed the need for a program that would provide both of these features to the large number of environmental studies students interested in studying abroad.

Once the idea was formulated, Macalester chose to combine ideas, resources, and students with Pomona and Swarthmore Colleges, located in California and Pennsylvania respectively. After an extensive search process, the University of Cape Town was selected because it offered students quality coursework as well as the opportunity to participate in ongoing environmental studies research projects.

A total of ten to twelve students total are expected to be a part of the program, and although it could accommodate several more, Monahan “does not want this program to be an American invasion.” This means that about four students from each college will be accepted.

Students will be assigned pre-departure reading in order to prepare them for their course and field work, as well as the transition to foreign cultural and societal norms.

Students interested in participating or finding out more information should contact Katherine Yngve, Macalester’s Study Abroad Coordinator, who can be reached at yngve@macalester.edu, or read more about the program online at http://www.macalester.edu/environmental studies/SouthAfricaProgramOutline.pdf.