Spring Break 2020 (April 13-18, 2020) - CATALINA ISLAND
This program is now closed.
Environmental Justice: Food, Water, Soil, Climate through the microcosm of Catalina Island
This spring break join professors Lisa Collins and Garen Baghdasarian at the Wrigley Marine Science Center on beautiful Catalina Island. This program will feature the theme of Environmental Justice by focusing on how soil, water, and climate impact ecosystems.
Learn how to measure basic soil properties and see firsthand how disturbed soils differ from native soils. Delve into the waters surrounding the island with a snorkeling tour of Big Fisherman Cove and a kayaking trip to Blue Cavern. Learn about the importance of the ocean to humans both as a source of food and as a driver in the climate system. Visit the Ackerman Native Plant Nursery to learn how the introduction of non-native plants has altered the ecology of the island. Develop an understanding of what controls the earth’s climate and how the changing climate will impact California’s food and water supply in the future.
As we face a warming world with a growing population, we have to ask: How will we feed the world while protecting our natural resources and tackling climate change? How will we adapt to increased drought in already parched regions? The seemingly monumental solutions to these problems go hand in hand and on this trip, you will examine how science and policy can help us understand and tackle these challenges.
Program excursions on Catalina
Snorkeling in Big Fisherman Cove
Course Descriptions
Global Studies 35 – Field Studies Abroad – Catalina Island – 1 unit
The proposed field course would use Catalina Island as the main case study to examine how soil, water, and climate impact ecosystems. Students will be immersed in their study on the island which will focus on learning how to measure soil properties. Discussions, lectures, and field activities will incorporate learning about these three topics both as they apply to Catalina and as they apply more broadly to our changing world.
Faculty Biographies
Program Details
Students will stay for 5 nights on Catalina Island at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) in the WMCS dormitories-double accommodations. All meals while on the island provided by WMCS.
Click to complete online application:Study Abroad Application
Program Cost
| Expense Type | Cost | Deadline |
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Program Fee Round trip boat travel to and from Catalina, ground transportation while on the island, meals, accommodations, excursions. |
$525 |
First Deposit $300 due: Friday January 24, 2020 Balance due: February 24, 2020 Bring deposit (check or money order) and excursion form to International Education Center Student Services Center 3rd floor M-Th: 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Fri: 8am-noon |
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Tuition for 1-Unit Course |
$46 Resident Tuition $316 Non-Resident Tuition |
International Education Center will register you for class before program departure. You must pay tuition before departure. |
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Meals |
Included in program price: 5 breakfasts 6 lunches 5 dinners |
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Total Estimated Costs |
$571 |
Additional Costs
| Expense Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
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Personal Spending Money |
$25- $50 |
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Course Materials |
TBD |
Scholarship
Scholarships will be available. Students must have current FAFSA to determine eligibility. Complete the section on the application regarding the GC Scholarship. Must make first deposit by January 24th to be considered for scholarship.
Payment Options
Personal Check, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order (No cash payments)
Dates to Remember
| Title | Dates | More Information |
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Informational Sessions |
Mon Oct 7 HSS 205 1 pm Mon Oct 14 HSS 205 1 pm |
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Application Deadlines and Payments Late applications will be considered on a case by case basis. |
Initial Deposit to reserve space – $300 due Friday January 24, 2020 Final Payment due February 24, 2020 |
Complete online application Apply early to reserve your space! Bring deposit (check or money order) and excursion form to International Education Center Student Services Center 3rd floor. Monday - Thursday 8 am to 3:30 pm and Fridays by noon.
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SMC Global Citizenship Scholarship |
In order to be considered for a scholarship, students must apply and submit a deposit of $300 by Friday January 24, 2020. |
Scholarship may not be used toward initial deposit. Students notifed of scholarship by February 18, 2020 |
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Mandatory Form |
January 24, 2020 |
Eligibility Requirements
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Be a current SMC student and take the offered course. If you are not currently an SMC student, you may apply online
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All participants must be 18 years old by January 24, 2020
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Pay all program fees and tuition by the deadline. If you are a financial aid recipient, check with the Financial Aid office about using financial aid to your tuition and fees.