Environmental and Energy Sustainability in Germany

Summer 2012: June 6 to July 6 (tentative dates)

Program Location

Saarbrücken, Germany, is about 2 hours west of Heidelberg, 2 hours east of Paris by fast train), and is within walking distance of the French border. Students will have plenty of free time to explore Saarbrücken and its environs, as well as three weekends to visit other destinations in western Europe. The region is famous for wine, but is also a hotbed of activity in alternative energy and sustainable industrial systems. JMU’s partnership with the HTW des Saarlandes (the Saarland University of Applied Science)  provides the opportunity for many connections to the region and interactions with German college students. The program itinerary allows plenty of free time to explore Saarbrücken and its environs, as well as three weekends to try Heidelberg, Paris, etc.

Academic Program

Participants in this study-abroad experience in Saarbrücken, Germany, will complete two 3-credit courses, chosen from ISAT 416, ISAT 426, ISAT 428 and ISAT 480. ISAT 416 (Alternative Energy Practicum) is a mini-internship conducted in the energy labs of the host university. ISAT 426 (Environmental Information Systems) is a project-based course conducted in tandem with a German course of the same title. ISAT 428 (Industrial Ecology) is a lecture-based course conducted in tandem with a German course of the same title which considers ways to create a more sustainable industrial society. ISAT 480 (International Energy Initiatives) is an experiential course consisting of site visits and tours, guest lectures, and discussions about energy technologies and policies in Germany.

The courses will use a combination of lectures, guided tours, field work, journal assignments and/or research papers. Facilities include classrooms, laboratories, and energy sites. This program is conducted in partnership with the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft (HTW) des Saarlandes.

Tentative course offerings:

• ISAT 416—Alternative Energy Practicum (3)
  A mini-internship conducted in the energy labs of the host university
• ISAT 426—Environmental Information Systems (3)
  A project-based course conducted in tandem with a German course of the same title
• ISAT 428—Industrial Ecology (3)
  A lecture-based course conducted in tandem with a German course of the same title
• ISAT 480—International Energy Initiatives (3)
  An experiential course consisting of site visits and tours, guest lectures, and discussions
  

Cell phones that work in Europe are helpful, but not required. There are Internet cafes, but laptop computers are also helpful and may connect with the Internet in many restaurants and cafes. (For some of the ISAT 416 internships the student may be required to bring their own computer.) The number of students admitted to ISAT 416 will be limited by available lab space.

Accommodations

Students will reside in hostels in Saarbrucken, Germany. All breakfasts and some group meals will be provided.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

Applicants must be granted permission by the Director.

For More Information

For additional information about the Environmental and Energy Sustainability in Germany program, please contact the program director:

Steven Frysinger
Professor
Department of Integrated Science and Technology
Tel: 540-568-2710
E-mail: frysinsp@jmu.edu