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.
Academic program
Students take up to 18 credits (4.5 Pomona credits) - two core courses over the winter and spring terms and elective courses within the Environmental Policy and Management program.
- Students arrive in Monterey in early January for orientation and a January-term placed-based core course, Monterey Stories, Culture, and Environments. The course is taught by rotating Middlebury College faculty, and only for climate semester undergraduate students.
- During the spring semester, students enroll in a full semester of courses:
- An experiential learning core course taught by Meghan McKenna, titled Climate and Society. This is a science-based course that includes field reports, excursions with local experts, data analysis projects, and a module on the Blue Economy. The course covers California’s approaches to coastal infrastructure and sea level, as well as renewable offshore energy.
- Starting spring 2026, all students will also be required to take a course titled Coastal Sustainable Management.
- The remaining MIIS credits will be selected from existing MIIS Environmental Policy and Management program. These courses tend to have a more international focus, as they are part of the graduate degree at MIIS, but also bring in local experts and excursions.
Students may not take any core course (winter term or spring term) or any directed study course as CR/NC.
Living Arrangements
The residence hall at offers comfortable living with shared spaces for cooking, collaborating, and socializing with fellow Study Away students, as well as graduate students at the Institute. The dormitory is within an 8-10 minute walk to classes and Institute facilities, and within walking distance to grocery stores and restaurants.
Pomona College will cover the cost of standard housing (double or triple rooms) with shared kitchens, bathrooms, study spaces, and common areas. Students placed in single rooms will be billed for the difference in cost. Pomona will cover the cost for a single room only for pre-approved medical and disability accommodations.
Number of Students
4-6 students in the Climate track among the 15-25 students across all three study away tracks. Total MIIS enrollment is approximately 725 students.
Host Institution:
Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS) at Monterey, CA
Faculty Liaison:
Heather Williams
Eligibility:
Students must have achieved an average of B or better in their major courses, and an overall average of B or better. Students are expected to have completed relevant course work for the academic program to which they’re applying. Students must have junior or senior standing when they participate in the program, unless given special permission.
