ISAT/Geog Study Abroad In Malta 2006
Program Overview
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, and involving both technical and cultural tours, for an additional 3 credits. Projects in Malta typically address problems that involve biotechnology, energy, environment, and geography, and are supported by affiliate organizations in Malta including the biotechnology and geography laboratories located at the University of Malta; the Institute for Energy Technology located in the traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk and affiliated with the University of Malta; the Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Insular Coastal Dynamics situated both in the capitol city of Valletta and on the sister island of Gozo; and the Gaia Foundation for the Protection of the Environment overlooking the beautiful cliffs of Għajn Tuffieha.
Malta is undergoing dramatic changes with respect to the amount and ways in which energy is consumed and technology is evolving in both the private and commercial sectors. Implementation of new technologies and development of supportive government policies are critical to the continued growth of the Maltese economy. Malta must also address critical issues regarding health and genetics, energy, environmental protection, disposal of waste, air quality, and awareness, as its recent addition to the European Union brings to bear new constraints and mandates.
The Institute for Energy Technology analyzes the use of energy in Malta to determine feasible measures to conserve energy and apply renewable sources of energy. The Institute originates and participates in teaching programs and research projects in the field of energy technologies. In collaboration with Enemalta, the Maltese national agency responsible for setting energy policy and overseeing the nation's two fossil-powered electricity generating plants, development and demonstration projects are underway to determine the economic feasibility of implementing renewable energy technologies.
The mission of the Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Insular Coastal Dynamics is to work at three main levels, namely education, research actions and information-related activities. The objectives are to combat marine and environmental degradation at the coast; to carry out research at a Euro- Mediterranean level on interactive processes at the coast; to contribute to civil protection at the coast; and to raise public awareness of, and academic interest in pressing environmental.
The Gaia Foundation addresses such environmental issues as the protection of sensitive areas, development of plans for handling of wastes, and air quality. Students in past years worked with the Gaia Foundation to develop an environmental management plan for Ramla Bay on the sister island of Gozo. They also upgraded Malta's only nursery for indigenous plant species and make it a visitor-friendly resource for the Maltese population.
Special Events for 2006!
- New 3-credit courses entitled Sustainable Societies that examines sustainability on various levels and scales and incorporates applied and appropriate exercises in GIS.
- Tours of Maltese power-generating facility, reverse-osmosis desalination plant, manufacturing plant, national forest and botanical gardens, and brewery.
- Weekend excursions to the sister islands of Gozo and Comino.
- Optional scuba-diving excursions and day-trip to Sicily (cost not included in program fee.
- Surprise cultural and recreational events.
- A "Malta Afternoon" will be held in September 2006. This event will provide Malta 2006 students the opportunity to present their work at JMU. The "Malta Afternoon" program will coincide with JMU's International Week.
Estimated Costs1
- In-state: $912 (tuition) + $1,600 (program fee) + $1,100 (estimated) airfare
- Out-of-state: $2,976 (tuition) + $1,600 (program fee) + $1,100 (estimated) airfare
Note: These costs are nearly all-inclusive, but may vary slightly according to exchange rates.
1Costs are for May Session 2006 and do not apply to future years.
Contact Dr. Jonathan Miles for details at milesjj@jmu.edu
