ISAT/Geog Study Abroad In Malta

Summer 2008: May 7 - June 7 (tentative dates)

Program Location

Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso's Cave – The Maltese Islands are positively mythic. The narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces. As the countryside is dotted with the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum.
The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of 400,000 inhabitants over an area of 316sq km and a coastline of 196.8km (not including 56.01 km for the island of Gozo).
Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while Comino is largely uninhabited.
With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. With a little help from any guidebook, captivating places of interest are immediately identified – the world famous Hypogeum selected as a place of World Heritage by UNESCO, prehistoric temples and grand palaces are but a few.
The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture.  True to the melting pot of cultural influences, the national languages are English and Maltese.
Text taken from VisitMalta Limited

Academic Program

The 6-credit ISAT/Geography in Malta program begins the Wednesday after JMU graduation, runs 4½ weeks, and comprises an intensive field-study experience (ISAT 416/480 or Geog 450) for 3 credits and the elective course Sustainable Societies taught by JMU and Maltese lecturers for an additional 3 credits. The Sustainable Societies course is classroom taught but includes both technical and cultural tours. Projects in Malta typically address problems that involve biotechnology, energy, environment, geography, and sustainability, and are supported by affiliate organizations throughout Malta.

Instructional methods include lectures, guided tours, field work, journal assignment and/or papers and tests/exams.

Tentative course offerings:
ISAT 416 International Energy Studies, 3 credits
ISAT 480 International Technology Studies, 3 credits
GEOG 450 International Geography Studies, 3 credits
ISAT 480 Sustainable Societies, 3 credits

Accommodations

Students will reside in Malta. Some group meals will be provided.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

In addition to the Short-term Application, interested students should submit an essay and a program-specific application. Applicants must have rising Junior or Senior class standing.

For More Information

For additional information about the ISAT/Geog Study Abroad In Malta program, please contact the program directors:

Wayne Teel
ISAT
Tel: 540-568-2798
E-mail: teelws@jmu.edu

Amanda Biesecker
ISAT
Tel: 540-568-2730
E-mail: biesecag@jmu.edu

Jonathan Miles
ISAT
Tel: 540-568-3044
E-mail: milesjj@jmu.edu

Bob Kolvoord
ISAT
Tel: 540-568-2752

Website: http://malta.cisat.jmu.edu