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Middlebury California Coast and Climate Semester (Outgoing Program) Featured:

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  • Locations: Monterey, United States
  • Program Terms: Winter and Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Middlebury Schools Abroad 
  • Dates / Deadlines
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: Other Program Options Program Sponsor: Middlebury College
Other Program Option Type: Domestic Program Language of Instruction: English
Click here for a definition of this term GPA (cumulative): 3.0 Click here for a definition of this term Minimum Major GPA: 3.0
Independent Study Project: YES Excursions: YES
Click here for a definition of this term Midd. Financial Aid: YES Advisor: Phyllis Stinson
Subjects Offered: Environmental Studies Recommended Program: YES
Program Description:

Middlebury California Coast and Climate Semester

Spend the winter and spring semesters at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies learning from experts addressing the climate crisis. Set against the backdrop of the California Coast — communities at the forefront of U.S. environmental policy — this program uses the region as a case study to explore global issues of climate change, resilience, and environmental justice.  As undergraduate students, you have access to exceptional resources at the Middlebury Institute, including its Master of Arts in Environmental Policy and Management and the Center for the Blue Economy. This access offers a unique opportunity to learn, research, and innovate in the field of climate and environmental studies.
 

With the California Coast and Climate Semester, students take up to 18 credits - two core courses over the winter and spring terms and elective courses within the Environmental Policy and Management program. Enrolling in a course outside this curriculum (e.g. language) is allowed with approval.

During winter-term, students spend January in an immersive learning experience studying the dynamic and rapidly changing California coast. Through interdisciplinary course and place-based learning, students explore the complex history of a region rich in natural resources to expand perspectives on the interdependencies of society and the environment. Students visit renowned locations such as the Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Point Lobos. Throughout the winter-term, students will develop essential skills for effectively communicating complex solutions related to climate change, resilience, and environmental justice.

During the spring-term, students will directly enroll in courses offered at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, including a core course uniquely designed for the California Coast and Climate semester. Throughout the semester, students will learn alongside graduate students and hear from experts working across disciplines creating pathways for just and resilient climate solutions.

By studying away at the Middlebury Institute as an undergraduate, students may be able to get a head start on a future graduate degree.

Phyllis Stinson is the advisor for this program.  Please feel free to contact her with any questions: pstinson@middlebury.edu.



Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Winter and Spring 2026 10/01/2025 ** Rolling Admission 01/02/2026 05/15/2026
NOTE: Dates are approximate: Do not purchase a plane ticket until official program dates are available on the California Coast and Climate Semester Dates & Fees page (https://www.middlebury.edu/study-away/dates-and-fees). MIDDLEBURY UNDERGRADUATES must apply by February 1, 2025.

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants who apply in the fall or winter will be notified on February 15th of the academic year preceeding study abroad. Applicants whose applicaitons are completed after February 15th (or anytime in the fall, if they are applying to study abroad during the following spring semester) will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline. Some Schools Abroad will fill before the deadline.