In partnership with the Baruch Institute for Coastal and Marine Sciences, our “Semester at the Coast” program offers opportunities for students with interests in science, the environment or health. The semester is an engaging and holistic experience with experiential courses, independent research and service projects and includes engaging excursions ranging from historical and archaeological sites, cultural events and nature reserves. 

This course is designed to help students understand how the environment can influence physical activity behavior and other health outcomes. Students explore how two countries (Netherlands and Denmark) with differing environments affect lifestyle, leisure, and transport-related physical activity behaviors in children and adults. While in Amsterdam and Copenhagen, students visit key cultural and historical sites, experience urban design features (e.g., parks, cycling infrastructure) related to pedestrian and biking behavior, and learn from the instructors, peer class members, and academic and local officials in each location

Students gain an understanding of using mobile photography and video for travel and storytelling grounded in digital communications strategy. Additionally, the course will address current and upcoming trends. While abroad, students will have an immersive experience and the ethical responsibility to portray their subjects with dignity. Students will be taught to disseminate their experiences digitally while abroad using social media. The course will focus on composition and critical thinking rather than technical skills, students will be encouraged to use smartphones as their cameras.

Beer and wine have been produced and enjoyed for thousands of years and have played an important role in the culture, trade and societies of many countries. Students travel through France and Germany as a first step in a life-long journey of learning about and appreciating wine and beer, which will complement the discussions of science and technology in the production of fermented beverages. This course is not based on consumption, but rather on the chemistry and biochemistry needed to produce quality fermented products. A week of lecture and lab on site at UofSC supplements a tour of Europe’s major centers of wine and beer production.

This is a 14-day international adventure and immersion into African culture where students experience some of the challenges facing citizens in Malawi and South Africa and participate in important service projects in local African communities. In Malawi, students discover the magnificent beauty of the people and the countryside. In South Africa, one of the largest cities in the world, Johannesburg, students explore important cultural sites, and visit the African Leadership Academy, where young African leaders are trained to address the continent’s greatest challenges and achieve extraordinary social impact.

Students spend three weeks exploring Smithsonian Museums while living in the heart of Washington, D.C.  They learn about art, culture, history, science and more at the world’s preeminent museum system. They also gain behind-the-scenes access to world-renowned curators and collections while visiting the United States Holocaust Museum, National Air and Space Museum and National Gallery of Art. Students also meet and speak  with experts on topics including research, policy, programs and operations.