Global Citizen Summer Study Program

Pollution, greenhouse gases, and vanishing natural resources are concerns for which the U.S. and China will lead the world response. Students can learn solutions through understanding of ecology and in cooperative efforts among government leaders, experts, business and community groups, media, and ordinary citizens.

Who Should Attend?

International students and faculty concerned about the environment and who would like to learn about solutions. This is a general education course designed for all students regardless of their major. You need not have any special expertise in science or math. English language ability will be tested at BFSU to ensure proper placement. You will earn one college credit, but you may earn up to 5 credits for an additional fee.

Program Highlighs:

• Enjoy camping in the dramatic mountains, dense rainforests and the high deserts of Washington state;
• Kayak in deep blue mountain lakes, hike beneath snow-covered alpine ridges, relax in geo-thermal hot springs, watch Killer Whales in their native waters;
• Meet American students attending summer classes;
• Explore the urban environment of the city of Seattle and its major attractions – Space Needle, Pike Place Public Market, seaside waterfront, International District;
• Additional Fee: Travel to New York, and Washington, D.C.

Theme – Explore the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest as a "'laboratory" for understanding global environmental problems and solutions.

Where – Skagit Valley College is located one hour north of Seattle, in the beautiful Skagit Valley at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and near the shores of Puget Sound.

Focus – Classroom learning plus visits to regional mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, and the sea. Develop an understanding of ecological principles and practical problem-solving skills to resolve conflicts over the use of natural resources. This is an multi-disciplinary course that integrates biology, environmental conservation, philosophy, law and government.

Program Costs

(NOT INCLUDING China-USA airfare and personal expenses*)

19-day course (July 6-24)
Tuition/Program Fees $500
Housing (includes meals) $600
Materials, supplies, trips $300
SUB-TOTAL $1,400

5-day optional tour (July 25-30) New York and Washington DC (optional) $1,529
TOTAL (with option) $2,929

*Personal expenses not included: meals, other than those with host family or on field trips; personal supplies, shopping, entertainment (estimated $150-$200 per week).

Join Us!
Application and $346 deposit due: April 30, 2009
To apply, follow the application procedure listed on the How to Register page.
Questions? Contact Ted Maloney, ted.maloney@skagit.edu or (360) 416-7774.

Meet Our Staff

Dr. Claus Svendsen
Department Chair, Environmental Conservation. BS, MS University of Copenhagen, Denmark; PhD, University of Washington.

Ted Maloney
Faculty member in law and political science (government and international relations). Exchange Professor at BFSU, 2005-07. J.D., University of Notre Dame.

In addition, we will welcome professional and academic guest lecturers.