Environmental Policy in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin (Greece and Turkey)

Summer 2010

4 ½ weeks (late May to late June)

Sponsored by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and James Madison College

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Human societies are a reflection of the relationship among people and the social and ecological environments in which they are embedded.  In particular, the types and availability of natural resources greatly influence the developmental path of a society as a whole including:

• a society’s relationship with its environment, cultural development and diversification,
• economic expansion, and
• evolution of its governance structure.

Examining the environmental resources, cultures, scientific methods, and governmental systems of a society, and the means through which individual societies have interwoven these factors, will allow for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the relationship between environmental and social systems that existed in the past, are present today, and are possible for the future. We also ask, what is the relationship between modern science and the problems of the environment? How can environmental science help us deal with this relationship?

To provide students with an enriching experience that will increase their understanding of the cultural, political and environmental systems of the eastern Mediterranean basin, lessons will be led by faculty from Michigan State University in cooperation with local experts.  The integrative themes of the program allows students with a biological, ecological, social, cultural, or public affairs interest to interact with and learn from one another. 

What can I study?

The program will provide students with the opportunity to earn ISS, ISB, FW and ANR credits.  These credits will fulfill a portion of their academic requirements, as well as provide them an enriching experiential learning experience, broaden their perspective and understanding of various cultures, and allow them to discover the complex relations influencing societies and their environmental resources. 

Students will be required to enroll for a minimum seven (7), maximum of eight (8), credit hours.  Courses under consideration include the following (particularly attractive to Madison IR, STEPPS, and PE students):

During their time in Greece and Turkey, students will participate in formal course instruction and hands-on experiential learning daily.  They will also have free time each week to experience and explore the local culture at their own pace. 

Students will be required to participate in pre-departure background and lab training sessions toward the end of the spring semester prior to participation.  For students enrolled in ISB or FW courses, this will include learning lab procedures and introductory biological science concepts to maximize their hands-on experience in Greek and Turkish government, university labs, and aboard research vessels.  For students enrolled in ISS or MC course, pre-departure sessions will focus on historical, economic and political background information on Greece and Turkey, and on the evolution of the European Union and its environmental policies. 

Students will submit a paper prior the start of the program demonstrating command of the material and identifying and exploring a subset of issues surrounding the regions we will be visiting.  Students will share their findings with their colleagues while we are in the relevant region. 

Students will be responsible for taking detailed notes and recording their personal reflections in a field journal of the entirety of the program. 

Throughout the program, students will work with faculty to develop a team project with an integrative focus that will require students from different backgrounds to work together in preparing their final assignment.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.5 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Additionally, students will be required to submit an essay stating why they wish to participate in this program.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

This program requires substantial travel to the various study sites, so housing will be provided at university dormitories and hotels near the academic and research centers.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Norman Graham
James Madison College
358 S. Case Hall
Phone: (517) 355-3277 or 353-3372

Cheryl A. Murphy
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
13 Natural Resources Building
Phone: (517) 432-7771

Eric S. Petrie
James Madison College
320 S. Case Hall
Phone: (517) 353-6668

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.  It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements. If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee in 2009 was $2,752 and included the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• some meals
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• additional meals
• books and supplies
• passport application fee
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $2,730 (US09).  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.