All students (first years – seniors) are encouraged to consider participating on a short-term international experience with a Wheaton faculty member. Faculty-led program offerings vary from year-to-year, and generally take place over the January or summer break. Most programs are worth one Wheaton credit.
Student Eligibility
- 2.0 minimum GPA.
- Class standing (First year – Senior), depending on the faculty director.
- Good academic and social standing at Wheaton College as defined in the Wheaton College Catalog.
- Prerequisite courses may be required depending on the faculty member and/or the course designation.
- Completion of an online Wheaton Faculty-led Program application.
Admission to the program is determined by faculty director and the Center for Global Education.
Current students can learn more and apply for programs using the link below (login required):
Financing
Wheaton Faculty-Led Short-Term Programs in January and summer are an additional cost to participants. Program costs vary according to destination, duration, and included costs. Program fees will be applied to the Wheaton College student bill during regular billing cycles.
Students participating in faculty-led programs in January and summer may be eligible for need-based financial aid, after review of budgets and availability by Student Financial Services. Certain students may be eligible to use merit stipends to fund this experience. If you have an unused merit stipend, please contact Career Services for more details on your particular situation.
You may also apply for a Filmmaker in Residence position on some Faculty-led Programs. For more information and to see if this option is available, reach out to Global Education.
2022-23 Programs
January 2023
Belize and Costa Rica: Tropical Field Biology
Tropical Field Biology provides an introduction to the ecology of the Belizean Barrier Reef and the rainforest at the La Selva Biological Station. The class meets weekly during the fall semester, and again for 2.5 weeks in January when we visit field stations in Belize and Costa Rica. Field work consists of guided walks/snorkels, classroom lectures, and independent research projects.
Dates: January 3–20, 2023
Credit: BIO 318 with lab
Prerequisites: a 200-level Bio course
Summer 2023
Madagascar
Between Peril and Promise in Madagascar: Intersections of Politics and Biodiversity on the Eighth Continent
Journey to Madagascar and explore how the shifting political landscape over the past several decades has shaped the current conflicts between humans and biodiversity conservation on an island known for having the most unique suite of species in the world – over 90% of the flora and fauna are found nowhere else on Earth.
Location: Madagascar, including Antananarivo, Toliara, and the rainforest of Ranomafana
Duration: 3 weeks, tentatively August 1–August 22, 2023 (Summer)
Language of Instruction: English
Credits: 1 (BIO 298+L, POLS 298 OR INT 298)
Prerequisites: None
Program overview:
This course will offer students an integrated and immersive learning experience at four sites in Madagascar: the capital city of Antananarivo, a research station run by Stony Brook University on the edge of the rainforest of Ranomafana National Park, the seasonally dry forests of Central-Southern Madagascar (Reserve d’Anja and the Parc National de l’Isalo), and the coastal town of Toliara and its surrounding mangroves, forests and barrier reefs. Students will investigate how politics, culture, and the environment intersect and influence one another. They will participate in hands-on projects and interviews, visit multiple cultural and ecological sites, and attend interactive talks by local researchers and community members. Ultimately, students will have the opportunity to be immersed in the local language and culture, learn about the modern political and economic conditions that shape the lives of the island’s human and non-human inhabitants, and explore an island with some of the most unique biodiversity in the world.
Ecuador
From the Andes to the Amazon: Intersections between Humans and the Natural World in a Biodiversity and Cultural Hotspot
Travel to Ecuador to immerse yourself in local indigenous and modern cultures, and explore the rich ecosystems and biodiversity of the Andean mountains and Amazon forest.
Location: Ecuador, including the city of Quito, the cloud forests of the Andes, and the Amazon rainforest
Duration: 18 days, June 2023 (Summer)
Language of Instruction: English
Credits: 1 (BIO 298 or SOC 298)
Prerequisites: None
Program overview:
The purpose of this course is to explore the intersections between humans and the natural environment in a country known for its huge diversity of both culture and flora and fauna. Ecuador has a distinct mix of modern and indigenous cultures, economies, and livelihoods–all housed within one of the most biodiverse regions in the world with varying degrees of human involvement and use. Present-day Ecuador is uniquely positioned to demonstrate the ways in which history, culture, and the environment influence one another. This course offers students an immersion opportunity to experience Ecuador’s diverse languages, cultures, and ecosystems firsthand. Learn more about the Ecuador program.
Iceland
Geology of Iceland
Experience the natural splendor of Iceland as you get out into the field and explore the spectacular geological landscape of this unique country.
Location: Iceland, including Þingvellir, Vatnajökull, and Mývatn
Duration: May 22–June 4, 2023 (Summer)
Language of Instruction: English
Credits: 1 (ESCI 398)
Prerequisites: PHYS 160: Geology or upper level related science course
Program overview:
The Geology of Iceland program will introduce students to one of the most geologically spectacular landscapes in the world. Iceland is tectonically unique in being both a mid-ocean spreading center and a mantle hotspot, and the vast barren landscape gives an unparalleled view into active volcanism, tectonics, fluvial processes, and glaciation. This is a project-based excursion, in which students will spend time in the preceding semester developing proposals for observations and measurements to be carried out in one of the three field locations. Once in the field, each student takes a turn being responsible to lead the other students in accomplishing the work required to carry out their project. Results will be shared with the Wheaton community in a scientific poster session the following fall.
Current students can learn more and about these and other study abroad opportunities using the link below (login required):
Past Programs
- Costa Rica & Belize: Tropical Field Biology
- Ghana: Innovation and Social Change in Emerging Economies
- Iceland: Geology of Iceland (Summer)
- The Arts in Ireland
- Ecuador: From the Andes to the Amazon: Intersections of Culture, Food Systems and Biological Diversity
- New York City: German and Austrian Modernism and New York City
- Puerto Rico: Disaster and Reconstruction: A Field Course in Post-Hurricane Maria Reconstruction and Gender in Puerto Rico
- South Africa: Witnessing Contemporary African Society
- Tanzania: Education and Development
- Trinidad: Innovative Music Traditions of Trinidad (January)
