If science is to be fully integrated into Study Abroad, science faculty must be involved in all aspects of recruitment and program development. Interest and concern by certain faculty in biology, chemistry, and geology began at least as far back as 1975. Because of this, the faculty member worked hard to develop appropriate criteria for approving students who wished to study abroad in science programs. Several science faculty therefore worked with the staff of the Study Abroad Office to find established study-abroad programs where doing science is possible, and to develop opportunities for science study in other programs where science has previously not been available. These opportunities included opening up courses in foreign science departments to Pomona students, developing tutorials and laboratory and field projects, and using home-institution faculty as the supervisors of independent study projects.
Faculty now play important roles in encouraging science students to study abroad.
This recruiting session is widely advertised about campus, especially in introductory science courses. They also usually stress the importance of planning for study abroad as early as the freshman year. Many science majors who enroll in study abroad programs say it was through such efforts that they first realized it was possible for a science major to study abroad. Seniors and graduates soon learn that medical schools and graduate programs are impressed with applicants who have studied abroad. Returning students contribute to the academic life of their major departments, particularly in Biology, where study abroad experiences in field biology programs enhance domestic field work course components.