Join us in “The Malta Experience: Exploring Sustainability and Resilience through Collaboration,” a four-week study abroad program at James Madison University (JMU). Delve into Malta’s unique landscape, exploring its rich history, culture, geography, and current societal and technological challenges. The Malta Experience is one of JMU’s longest running short-term international programs.
Situated in the Mediterranean, Malta’s diverse history spans prehistoric to modern times. The Malta Experience focuses on understanding this past, while addressing the future challenges faced by this small EU member nation. Excursions to awe-inspiring geographic features, prehistoric megaliths, medieval dungeons, Renaissance cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites will complement academic and project-based activities. These outings, coupled with the chance to immerse oneself in Malta’s varied local cuisine, natural beauty, and unique village fiestas, ensure a comprehensive appreciation of the Maltese way of life.
Students will embark on interdisciplinary projects in collaboration with local partners, including local nonprofits, NGOs and research centers at the University of Malta. These hands-on projects provide the chance to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.
The “Malta Experience” is a transformative journey that combines academia, practical projects, cultural immersion, and personal development. It’s an opportunity to contribute to sustainable societal progress and to become an empowered global citizen. Embark on this enriching adventure with JMU, and shape the future through the “Malta Experience.”
Directors & Instructors
The program will be lead by Dr. Justin Henriques (Engineering), Dr. Shannon Conley (ISAT), and Dr. Matthew Chamberlin:
Justin Henriques is an Associate Professor of Engineering at JMU. Specializing in sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems, he has a passion for developing innovative learning experiences that encourage students to think creatively and engage with the world around them. His international travel and work have taken him to over forty countries across six continents, cultivating a deep love for learning about different cultures and making a global impact. This perspective has not only shaped his teaching approach but also led him to create and run study abroad programs in Australia, Malta, Sweden, Denmark, and the UK.
Shannon Conley teaches in the area of Social Context of Science and Technology. Focuses on the governance of new and emerging technologies, drawing from empirical case studies in genetics and reproductive technologies.
Matthew Chamberlin teaches social science and interdisciplinary courses in the IDLS program. He has worked with future teachers, archaeologists, and self-designed majors at JMU. The focus of his own inquiry involves the relationship between knowledge, power, and change in small-scale societies.
Mikaela Schmitt-Harsh is an associate professor in the Dept of IdLS and an affiliate professor in the Dept of Biology at JMU. Her research examines the social-ecological dynamics of urban forests with specific focus given to understanding the provision of ecosystem services in human-dominated landscapes, and the ways in which individuals and communities make decisions about trees and other greenspaces. As an ISA Certified Arborist, she actively engages in campus and community forestry initiatives.
Schedule*
Below is a summary of each week of the program and the key activities:
Week 1 (13 – 19 May 2024): Arrival and Exploring Malta
The program kicks off with the students’ arrival and an initial exploration of Sliema and Hypogeum. The week includes tours of various places like Valletta, the Neolithic Temples, Blue Grotto, and Golden Bay, as well as an exploration of the ancient city of Mdina. A coastal walk from the beautiful fishing village of Marsaxlokk to Marsaskala concludes the week.
Week 2 (20 – 26 May 2024): Project Work and Gozo Trip
This week primarily involves project work and class meetings focused on different topics, including Maltese Governance/Politics and the Transportation Infrastructure. The week ends with a three-day trip to Gozo, where students can tour the Citadel, the Ggantija Temples, and have free time to explore.
Week 3 (27 – 31 May 2024): Project Work, The Three Cities, and Comino
This week is largely dedicated to project work with a day set aside for touring the Three Cities. The week wraps up with a trip to the stunning island of Comino and the Blue Lagoon, including a boat ride.
Week 4 (03 – 06 June 2024): Project Presentation and Departure
The final week is dedicated to presenting the project work, followed by a farewell dinner and celebration. Students depart on Thursday, 06 June 2024.
*Subject to change!
Courses
This is a 6 credit program that provides 400-level course credit, and helps you make progress towards your degree! The course combination you take are based on your major, and the program leadership team will help you determine the credits to take.
| Course Number | Course Title | Contact |
| ISAT 480 | Sustainable Societies | Dr.’s Henriques/Conely |
| ISAT 480 | International Studies (Malta) | Dr. Conley |
| ENGR 480 | Engineering projects for Sustainable Development (Malta) | Dr. Henriques |
| ENGR 498 | Engineering for Sustainable Development (Malta) | Dr. Henriques |
| GEOG 491 | International Studies in Geography | Dr. Kolvoord |
| IDLS 391 | Study Abroad | Dr. Chamberlin |
ENGINEERING:
ENGR 498 Engineering for Sustainable Development (Malta), 3 cr.
ENGR 480 Engineering projects for Sustainable Development (Malta), 3 cr.
Geography:
ISAT 480 Sustainable Societies, 3 cr.
GOEG 491 International Studies in Geography, 3 cr.
ISAT:
ISAT 480 Sustainable Societies, 3 cr.
ISAT 480 International Studies (Malta), 3 cr.
IDLS:
ISAT 480 Sustainable Societies, 3 cr.
IDLS 391 Study Abroad, 3 cr.
Open to All Majors:
All Majors welcome! Please reach out below to us and we will help you determine which courses to take.
Example Student Projects from Past Years
In collaboration with local nonprofits, NGOs, and research centers at the University of Malta, our study abroad program offers students interdisciplinary hands-on projects that apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges. These interdisciplinary projects foster innovation and developing problem-solving skills. Below is a table showcasing select projects from previous years, illustrating the diversity and practical impact of the work accomplished in Malta
| Year | Partner | Project Title | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Institute for Sustainable Energy | The Effect of Color Filters on Photovoltaic Panel Output | Studied the effects of color filters on solar panel power output, identified optimal color filter for maximizing power. |
| 2022 | Nature Trust Malta | Biogeography Analysis of Protecting Endangered Ecosystems and Species and Invasive Species | Observed and analyzed nature reserves in Malta, with subgroups focusing on mapping, flora/fauna research, and human-environment interaction. |
| 2022 | Nature Trust Malta | Methods for the Spatial Analysis of Invasive Species and Ecosystem Fragmentation at Conservation Sites in Malta | Utilized drone imagery for ecosystem management, focusing on invasive species identification and coastal erosion monitoring. |
| 2018 | Institute for Sustainable Energy | Effects of Forced Air Cooling Methods on Efficiency of Solar Panels | Investigated forced air cooling on solar panels, found potential efficiency increase but possible inefficiency due to fan power. |
| 2018 | Institute for Sustainable Energy | Water Desalination Nature Observatory | Created nature observatory and water supply system using solar still design for conservation area in Malta. |
| 2018 | Nature Trust Malta | Biodiversity Research in Malta Using Areal Imagery from Drones | Explored drone usage for environmental conservation and mapping in Malta, outlined permissions and regulations process. |
| 2018 | Nature Trust Malta | Effects of Litter Harming Sea Turtles | Analyzed trash pollution’s impact on Loggerhead Sea Turtles, including ingestion of plastics and related threats. |
Want more information?
- Sign me up for updates!
- Schedule to a time to talk with Dr. Justin Henriques on Zoom: https://calendly.com/justinhenriques/malta
- Official program website, including dates and costs: https://www.jmu.edu/global/abroad/programs/jmu-malta-isat.shtml (Applications due November 1, 2023)
Interested in Scholarships? Find out about:
- JMU’s Financial Aid and Scholarships
- College of Integrated Science and Engineering (CISE) Study Abroad Scholarship (more details coming soon!)
Info sessions
- Study Abroad Fair – Wednesday, September 21st, Time: 10am-12pm; 12:30-4pm (Festival Grand Ballroom)
- Info Session – Wednesday, September 28 at 4pm on Zoom
- More dates coming soon!
- Prefer to chat one-on-one? Schedule to a time to talk with Dr. Justin Henriques on Zoom
