Environmental Studies at MIIS: Niche Courses for Liberal Arts Students August 25, 2022

By A student (Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/03/2022 to 05/20/2022 with

Study Away at the Middlebury Institute

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I enjoyed having access to resources on more niche topics/class that liberal arts schools like Middlebury don't often offer. Students have the chance to really take responsibility for their interests and education and take advantage of the resources and connections with the academic community at MIIS.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	Had to provide your own food, the dorm is less than a five-minute walk from a Trader Joe's though.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Was hard being one of the youngest people at the school as well as the general area, but there are lots of things to do to engage with the local Monterey culture (hikes, aquariums, farmer's markets, local events, etc.)
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Not as comprehensive access to counseling services as Middlebury College itself, but free services are available (the downside is you are unable to continue services such as therapy with your therapist from your original home state unless they are licensed in California).
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget? (1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Beautiful town Lots of field trips Educational freedom
* What could be improved?	Needs more students in the program More integration with MIIS community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Your experience has a lot to do with the initiative and responsibility you take for your time, classes, and personal life. Try new things, meet new people, take new courses, talk to your professors, and soak up the experiences in Monterey.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Green Business Feasibility Assessment
Course Department:	IEP
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Corporate Sustainability Management & Strategy
Course Department:	IEP
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: