Project Details Page 1 of 3 VIRTUAL MONTANA Transnational European Geography Fieldwork Program A Socrates-supported Intensive Programme Rationale and Aims Subjects Quality Assurance Outcomes Audience and Work Plan   Rationale and Background Geographical studies focus on experiencing and understanding physical and human landscapes in the field. The study of environments such as these is offered by geographical fieldwork. It specifically allows the European Dimension to be enhanced through the in-depth study of a region at first hand. Experiences such as these have been shown to be significant in influencing the education of students at all age groups and particularly those in Higher Education. Collaboration with other partners allows ideas to be exchanged and information concerning new techniques and methodologies employed in the delivery of fieldwork courses to be practically disseminated. General Aims The general aims of this project are to share and develop good geographical fieldwork practice between partner Institutions in a variety of fieldwork locations across Europe. Different approaches to fieldwork will be experienced hopefully leading to research. The second aim is to develop European awareness and understanding between the three national partners, all of which have strong historical connections. The third aim is to promote good personal and academic relations between the participant nations, the university staff and their students. The final aim is to improve the foreign language proficiency of all the participants. The programme also builds upon the existing fieldwork link between the United Kingdom and Romania and develops a 'French connection' under the common theme of geographical fieldwork. The courses comprise preparation and acclimatisation in the host university department where they will meet their partners and be briefed on the background to the field studies. Preparation in terms of factual knowledge and practical skill development will be emphasised as will intensive language preparation. Part of this week will be spent on cultural activities hosted by the home institution and the sharing of information on the different approaches to education and field work in each of the participating countries. The second week is the residential fieldwork component and will comprise fieldwork in rural environments in, one of, the French Alps, the Carpathian and Snowdonia Mountains. The courses will be integrated and will contain elements of physical and human geography although the specific cultural element of the regions will always be emphasised. The first part of the week will be spent on visits to important sites and locations which exemplify the key elements of the geography of the region, the second part will be based on the design and execution of a multi-national group project on an approved geographical topic. This will utilise a full range of research skills appropriate to the level of the students. At all times the organisation will emphasise the international nature of the course. | 1 | 2 | 3 | Page 1 of 3