Ecology + Sustainability

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Recommendations

• For students who want to take classes in Spanish at the Universitat de les Illes Balears, five semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) are required.
• For Academic Projects in Spanish, at least four semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) are required.

Requirements

All Palma Ecology + Sustainability students enroll in 4-5 courses for a total of 13-16 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of ecology or sustainability is required. Students select from:

• CIEE courses · A minimum of one course at UIB
• Up to one ASU online course (max 4 total credits, after 12 in-person credits)
  • In the Spring term, students will be limited to ASU Session B

Program Credit

Total credit: 13-16 (15-16 recommended) U.S. semester credits/19.5-24 quarter credits.

Course Credit

• CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours
• CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours)
• CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours)
• UIB Courses: Typically, 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
• ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.

CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time.

Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses.

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB): Courses are academically challenging and involve daily reading and homework assignments and attendance at lectures and field trips. Students are responsible for knowing the dates of exams and assignments. Dates are firm and attendance is required. University classes are typically scheduled Monday through Friday.

Fall classes at the university end in December and official exams can take place in January. Spring classes end in May and official exams can take place in June. Early exams may be possible but must be confirmed on an individual basis with the professor of each course. Students may be able to take their exams early, though only if they request it at the start of the semester and it is confirmed by the professor. Housing will be covered until all exams are completed. However, as it is impossible to confirm exam schedules prior to arrival, we advise students who wish to take their exams early to book an airline ticket with a low change fee or a flexible departure date.

ASU Courses: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online. Most ASU online courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no set log-in times, but make sure to verify this before the add/drop deadline in case you want to make a change.

Class Format

Below is the wording to be used for CIEE and ASU on the program pages. The CD/RDO will be responsible for including host institution class format on the individual location-specific program documents.

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) classes are for Spanish and international students. Classes range from 15 to 50 students depending on the major. Local university classes are generally lecture-style, and they can involve less guidance than U.S. students are accustomed to; syllabi can be less detailed and there are fewer assessments. Cursos de Español at UIB are exclusively open to international students and do not include local students.

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB): Each instructor determines the exact breakdown of grades, which typically includes less elements of evaluation (mid-term, final exam and written project). University professors assign numerical grades based on a 10-point scale, which CIEE converts to recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents, following a predetermined grade conversion scale.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students

Language of Instruction

English