Location

Santo Domingo, Arecibo, Harrisonburg, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, USA

Program Description

This program is designed to introduce students to cross-cultural studies using elements of environmental science, geology, and Caribbean history. Through expoloration of three different locations (the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Shenandoah Valley), students will be able to get a sense of how each location's physical environment impacts local culture in different ways. Geotourism will be used as a framework to study the interation of human-geology in each location. 

Activities include exploration of caves, rivers, and rough terrain, as well as traditional lectures from local experts and class discussion time. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to experience Caribbean culture through excursions, food, and historical sites. Through knowledge gained on the program, students will be able to reflect on the significance that culture plays in the preservation of natural resources. 

Location Description

The course is based in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and the Shenandoah Valley. At each site, students will learn from local experts and gain first-hand experience about each location's environment, people and culture.

Director

Felix Wang | wangch@jmu.edu | Honors College

Ángel A. García Jr. | garci4aa@jmu.edu | Geology & Environmental Science

Accommodations

Accommodations will be provided for students in hotels and hostels.

The program will provide all meals in form of catered group meals and a stipend.

Additional Items to Consider

This program is funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.

No visas are required for this program.

COVID-19 Location Information:

Each country has different requirements upon entry with regard to COVID-19. Please check this website for the most up-to-date information on what is required for the country (or countries) that are part of this program. Please note that this changes often, so we encourage you to check back frequently.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

No language requirement

Students must have sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student standing

Students must be part of the JMU Honors Program, Centennial Scholar's Program, or are former Valley Scholars