Environmental Studies of Europe

The Environmental Studies of Europe summer program is designed to provide students with first-hand exposure to the environmental issues facing Europe, with a focus on the European Union community and the policies being implemented to address these issues. The program is held in Freiburg, Germany, arguably the “greenest” city in Europe. Consistent with this status, Freiburg offers excellent examples of sustainable living: (1) extensive, reliable, and inexpensive public transportation, (2) prevalent use of solar panels, (3) high-profile wind turbines, (4) comprehensive curb-side recycling, and (5) access to extensive open space. In this last regard, Freiburg serves as the western gateway to the Black Forest. Class field trips sample all of these amenities. In addition to classroom discussion and local field trips, students visit the European Parliament in order to appreciate better the formulation of environmental protection policies.

Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg is a picturesque university and medieval cathedral town with a rich educational heritage. Now a modern, cosmopolitan city of 200,000 people, Freiburg’s skyline is still dominated by the famous Gothic Münster (cathedral), and small streams (Bächle) dating from the Middle Ages still flow along the narrow streets in the city center. Though small enough that almost everything is within easy walking or biking distance, Freiburg is also large enough to offer a rich cultural life.

Located on the edge of the scenic Black Forest, an hour away from towering Alpine mountains, Freiburg is a year-round recreation center. Close to France, Switzerland, and many interesting regions of Germany, Freiburg offers an ideal jumping off point for exploring Europe.

Program Activities

During the program, the students will have the opportunity to visit the following sites:

• Solarfabrik is one of the leading European manufacturers of high-quality solar energy technologies. The company’s Freiburg factory is a zero-emission operation.
• The European Parliament field trip will allow students to appreciate better the formulation of environmental protection policies in Europe.
• Freiburger Abfallwirtschaft is the main recycling facility in the city.
• Weingut Wendelin Brugger is one of Germany’s oldest organic wineries. Our visit will allow students to observe sustainable agricultural practices, while enjoying locally produced wines, cheeses, and breads.
• A visit to Vauban, Freiburg’s “Ecological District”, offers students an opportunity to explore a “green” housing development, complete with numerous solar panels and walk paths and a cogeneration energy plant.
  
• Students will also take a day trip to the Black Forest and Feldberg nature reserve.
  

Program Directors

Dietrich Earnhart is an associate professor in the economics department and is affiliated with the Environmental Studies Program, Center for Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies, and the Center for Latin American Studies. In addition, he serves as the director of the Center for Environmental Policy within the Institute for Policy and Research. He has previously taught study abroad courses in Costa Rica and Italy and frequently teaches two levels of environmental economic courses and an environmental policy analysis course on campus in Lawrence.

Stacey Swearingen White is an Associate Professor of Urban Planning and Associate Director of the Environmental Studies Program. She also serves as the Director of Academic Programs for the KU Center for Sustainability. She teaches three courses in environmental planning each year.

Academic Program

Students will enroll in two courses for the program.

EVRN 550/ECON 550—Environmental Economics: Research Methods and Analytical Approaches
This course provides an overview of the theory, analytical approaches, and research methods, especially empirical research methods, of economic analysis as it applies to environmental issues.

AND

EVRN 420/720—Environmental Sustainability in Europe's Green Communities
This course investigates how European cities, particularly Freiburg, are striving to implement principles of sustainability. Students analyze different aspects of “green” cities, making comparisons to U.S. cities, as appropriate

Accommodations

Students are housed with German students in single or double occupancy rooms in co-ed university residences. Housing will be suite-style with a shared kitchen and shared bath and private study/living areas.

Students will be able to prepare their own meals in the residence hall. Inexpensive meals will be available in the student cafeterias. There will also be several group meals provided.

Dates

Depart US: Monday, June 1, 2009
Arrive Freiburg, Germany: Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Depart Freiburg, Germany: Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Eligibility

Open to undergraduate, graduate and professional students from any accredited U.S. college or university. It is recommended that participants have completed EVRN 148: Principles of Environmental Studies (or equivalent) and ECON 142: Principles of Microeconomics (or equivalent) prior to departure.

Credit

Six hours of upper level undergraduate credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program.

Cost

Program Fee: Approximately $2,800 ($3,000 for non-KU student). The program fee includes accommodations program cultural activities, local transportation, a few group dinners, KU orientation, and emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services.

Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 6 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $1,239*

*Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the student’s individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above.

Additional costs: Airfare, most meals, books and supplies, passport fees, and personal expenses.

Note

All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Financial Aid

KU students who qualify for summer financial aid in the form of Stafford and/or other loans, Pell or SEOG Grants, and scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a Study Abroad Program.

Limited supplemental scholarships are available to KU undergraduates. Applications are available at the Office of Study Abroad. You can also download the scholarship application. The scholarship application deadline is March 1.

Environmental Studies majors may also be eligible for targeted scholarships. Contact the Environmental Studies Program (env-studies@ku.edu) for details.

Non-KU students should check into the financial resources available to them at their home institutions.

Application Procedures

Application Deadline: March 1, 2009. Early application is strongly encouraged.

Applications are available in the KU Office of Study Abroad. You can also download* the application. All application materials are to be returned to the Office of Study Abroad.

*Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to download an application. If your computer does not have Acrobat Reader you can download it for FREE.

For more information, contact:

Dietrich Earnhart
Department of Economics
Snow Hall, room 435
phone: 785-864-2866
e-mail: earnhart@ku.edu

Stacey White
Architecture and Urban Planning
317C Marvin Hall
phone: 785-864-3530
e-mail: sswhite@ku.edu

The University of Kansas
Office of Study Abroad
Lippincott Hall
1410 Jayhawk Blvd., Room 108
Lawrence, KS 66045-7515
tel: (785) 864-3742
e-mail: osa@ku.edu