Experiential Learning

Four walls can’t contain an entire education. That’s why, at Richmond, most students extend their educations by participating in experiential learning opportunities. They’re the chance to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world, either via research, an internship or studying abroad.

Internships

Geography related internships are more numerous than one might think. While there are a few state and federal agencies who hire true “geographers,” there are a large number of jobs in GIS (geographical information systems) and urban and rural planning, state and national parks, environmental agencies, community development, meteorology and coastal management, to name a few. Students who are interested in obtaining internships in geography should speak with professors in the field and visit the Career Development Center early in their academic careers.

Study Abroad

Geography students can choose to participate in a remarkable summer study abroad experience that pairs geography and environmental studies.  Accompanied by their professors, students travel to Chile for the summer, taking classes and seminars on the campus of the Universidad de Playa Ancha in Valparaiso, Chile, before traveling to Easter Island, a living classroom on the effects of human influences on the landscape.  First inhabited more than 1500 years ago, Easter Island peaked at a population of over 10,000 people, a number that overwhelmed the island’s ecosystem, degraded the landscape and caused a complete collapse of the native civilization. Today, the island is controlled by Chile and used as living laboratory of sustainable development—perfect for geography students.  Learn more.  

In addition to the department’s study abroad opportunities, students are encouraged to find study abroad opportunities that extend over a summer, semester or even an entire year. For more information on studying abroad, visit the Office of International Education.