“Field Work!! Before going on my study abroad program, I had never done field work before. Now, I was doing field work weekly, working alongside my cohort to protect the natural world that we and many others call home. One of my favorite parts of these field work experiences was knowing that the work we were doing was beneficial to the local community.”
Marilyn Harbin: Field Studies in Whakatiwai, New Zealand
PitE and International Studies major
Did you know that you can study abroad AND do research at the same time?
Research is available on 30+ CGIS semester and summer programs and is available for over 50+ majors. Students who participate in international research will earn academic credit while gaining real world experience on research projects. Some research opportunities are guaranteed as part of the program, while other research opportunities are competitive and not guaranteed.
Benefits of international research through CGIS:
- Boost your resume or graduate application with new references and develop professional skills:
- Statistical and analytical data analysis, Data collection and management, Critical thinking, Global perspective, and Collaboration
- Engage with research topics and conduct field work not possible at U-M
- Increase chances of obtaining a lab position on campus
- Earn academic credit and potential lab credit toward your degree
- Immersion: Meet local people that you would not ordinarily meet in study abroad classes
- Receive support throughout your experience from CGIS and on-site partners
Throughout my journey I fell in love with the natural world. While I have always loved Mother Earth, this experience allowed me to connect with the natural world like never before. I loved working outside, understanding and identifying what was around me, and working to protect the environment and local community. I loved feeling like I was at home. That is what field work and research became for me – home.
- Marilyn Harbin (PitE and International Studies major), Field Studies in Whakatiwai, New Zealand
Semester or Academic Year Opportunities
Spring/Summer Opportunities
Note for program exploration:
- Programs indicated with an asterisk (*) have historically been competitive
- Programs indicated with a plus symbol (+) indicate guaranteed research
- If you would like more context, please reach out to your CGIS Study Abroad Advisor
Student Testimonies:
“Our project was about freshwater micro-organisms…we collected tap water samples from across the city. We went to public bathrooms. We went to taps and public places, museums, cafes, shopping malls, that sort of thing. And then we incubated those water samples and tried to successfully grow and identify these bacterial species. And the goal of this was to find out if there are any pathogenic bacteria present, or bacteria that are potentially harmful to humans.”
Aiden Armstrong: STEM Summer research in Glasgow, Scotland
Biology, Health, & Society major, Asian Studies (Chinese Studies) and Music minors
“We surveyed reptiles and amphibians, the first abundance survey in that specific area of Tanzania. Our presentation was presented to local government officials, local farmers, directors of national parks–the lodge staff came too. Valuable: not just the academic side, but communicating to locals and a general audience.”
Gloria Kawai: Wildlife Management Studies in Rhotia, Tanzania
EEB and Anthropology BS
“It definitely was a great experience because it was the first time I was really working with other students and really brainstorming how to solve math problems that don’t necessarily have an answer key. And it was cool to work with my professor and see him proposing new ideas and having us work through them.”
Angelina Zhang: Mathematics in Budapest, Hungary
Undeclared→Math major after program
“I’ve done research at my home university, but it is almost always one step removed from the source. Getting to collect data from the reefs surrounding our home and interviewing locals to better understand impacts of tourism has been more eye-opening than I could have ever imagined.”
Alina Malin: CGIS: Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies in Isla Colon, Panama
PitE major
Scholarships and Funding:
There are a variety of sources for different funding options available to students! We encourage students to check with their department, explore offerings from the International Institute, and review CGIS's Additional Scholarships page for more information. Please note that some funding opportunities are open to all U-M students, while others specify criteria that limit eligibility.
