In the Wake of Darwin’s Voyage: Improving International Science Study for Students of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Abstract

In the haphazard survey conducted of 19 U.S. colleges and universities, only about 11 percent of the students studying abroad were science students, a small fraction of the science students at these institutions. If students, faculty, and parents are all agreed on the value of international science study, why do so few students go? The obvious answer is that there is not agreement on the value of international science education. Even where there is agreement, significant obstacles still must be overcome. Below, I review some of these obstacles, which in turn will suggest some solutions. I then review recent successes at St. Lawrence University followed by ideas and plans still to be implemented. This chapter closes with two more examples of the value of attempting to improve international science education opportunities for students of the biological and environmental sciences.