Fwd: [ESS Forum] Calling all ocean-curious undergrads!

[Tora Johnson]

This is a fantastic opportunity for students, and it's affordable. I used to work for this program, and my husband is an alum (that's how we met!). It's a life-changing experience and leads to lots of opportunities. Please share and let me know if you have any questions about the program.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ned Schaumberg <ng...@williams.edu>
Date: Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 11:34 AM
Subject: [ESS Forum] Calling all ocean-curious undergrads!
To: Environmental Studies and Sciences Forum <ESSf...@aessonline.org>

Williams-Mystic, an ocean-focused study away program, has some unanticipated spots available for our Spring 2024 semester. Our admissions director moved out of state this summer (look for that job posting here soon), so I am helping find students who might be a good fit. 

Of course, this raises the question: what is Williams-Mystic? And what kind of student would thrive there? Williams-Mystic is a one semester liberal-arts program focused on the oceans, where students live, study, and travel around the country in a tight-knit cohort. They engage in original research in multiple disciplines, perform hands-on scientific field work, and collaborate with ocean stakeholders from New England and beyond on pressing coastal and ocean issues. We are affiliated with Williams College, in NW Massachusetts, but students live at the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, CT.

 

Students live in small houses, take the same classes (Maritime History, Marine Policy, Global Ocean Literature, and Marine Ecology or Oceanography), and go on three week-long Field Seminars with faculty (to California, Southern Louisiana, and on a sailing vessel out of sight of land). There are also numerous local trips closer to "home." Most importantly, this semester will only cost a student what they pay at their home institution, no matter what kind of aid they receive, or from whom. Guaranteed.

I could go on way too long about the program, (and am happy to do so for any student who wants to know more), but perhaps the best way to sum up what we do is a compliment we received from some Williams faculty a couple years ago--we offer the kind of deep liberal-arts education, combined with hands-on experiential learning, and close relationships with faculty, that Willams wishes it could provide all its own students. The biggest misconception about our program is that we "are like Semester at Sea" or "are for people who like old white guys on boats." In reality, there's much more focus on climate change, environmental justice, yummy food, or culture/policy/science connections, and much less time in cable knit sweaters and rubber boots. 

While we are currently seeking Spring 2024 students, we are always looking for intelligent, passionate students who are willing to think critically about complex issues, are open to new experiences, and eager to push themselves personally and intellectually. When I think about students who have thrived with us, I think of someone for whom ANY of the below are true:

- loves the ocean, or feels affinity for marine creatures

- wants to direct their own scientific research

- finds historical quirks or objects interesting/loves museums

- loves digging into a topic and getting into its deep complexities

- has interests in many different academic subject areas

- loves meeting new people and having new experiences, especially ones different from their own

- needs a break from the traditional "dorm life" or campus culture at their home institution

- wants to try "house living," cooking, or low-stakes adulting

- wants a study abroad experience that isn't just partying with a dorm full of Americans in another country

- wants to travel without being "just another tourist"

I know that's quite a list, but the beauty of a small, tight-knit program like ours (five professors for a maximum of 25 students) is that students bring a lot to the table here to shape their experience, and faculty are able to help students pursue those interests and passions. 

I am also painfully aware that it's late in the game for students to be making semester-long plans for spring, but I wanted to reach out just in case you know of someone who might be interested. I'm happy to answer any questions, or they can learn more from our website. I can also put them in touch with our director, Tom Van Winkle, to schedule video conversations and work out application details. 

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