ACADEMICS
Dickinson operates the largest study abroad program based at the University of East Anglia (UEA), located just a short bus ride from the center of Norwich. Classes are held at UEA’s campus on “The Broads,” 270 acres of open parkland on the outskirts of Norwich with views of rivers, woods and meadows from all angles. University buildings are connected by elevated pedestrian walkways. UEA is well known for the quality of its academic programs, and the structure of the Dickinson programs allows students to select courses from a variety of “schools” (departments) at UEA while enrolled in two to three Dickinson core courses. Many UEA faculty members are leading scholars in their fields, and the university library contains 500,000 volumes and more than 2,500 periodicals. The campus offers many social opportunities through various clubs and organizations, and a new state-of-the-art sports facility provides for recreational pursuits.
In the fall, students spend their first few weeks in and around London taking an experiential course before enrolling in courses at the University of East Anglia in Norwich. Students take History of Science focusing on the development of science from the mid-1600s to present taught by the faculty director. The course is supplemented with visits to various locations throughout London. In Norwich, students enroll in three courses at UEA for the fall semester. During the spring semester, students participate in a significant travel experience to other parts of the UK through an experiential course led by the Dickinson faculty director in addition to taking courses at UEA. Students participate in field experiences associated with the required Dickinson course (Science and Society or Sustainability Science), chosen and taught by the faculty director in addition to enrolling in three courses at UEA.
ACADEMIC EXCURSIONS
Academic excursions and student field research are integral to the program. In addition to spending time in London during the fall semester, spring-semester participants spend time in the field conducting research that supplements the required Dickinson course. The location of the excursions are at the discretion of the faculty director. Past participants have visited Iceland, Wales, Norway and Sweden.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Students live in an international setting in furnished flats at UEA. Students have a private bedroom and bathroom and share a kitchen with local students. Participants receive a weekly stipend to purchase and cook food for themselves in their flats.
STAFF
Professor of Psychology Marie Helweg-Larsen will serve as the faculty director of the program (2019-21). The faculty director plans and leads the academic program, advises and supports students, oversees academic year students’ major research projects, and teaches the required Dickinson science courses. She also collaborates with UEA colleagues on research efforts.
