With so many specialties within Earth sciences, it may be difficult to choose a destination. Each country offers a different experience and is made up of unique challenges. First, think about what specific branch of earth sciences you’d like to study, then match it with a location and dig in!

To start a little “out of the box,” how about spending time amongst the Viking descendants in Iceland? If you’re searching for a pristine environment, you’re in luck: more than the 80% percent of the country is uninhabited. This untouched ecosystem gives Earth science majors the unique opportunity to work in the field of oceanography and discover all that Iceland has to offer! As a close neighbor, Norway also offers many field opportunities for the Earth science major. Whether you’re interested in clean energy or geological formations among the fjords, there’s top-notch universities specializing in many environmental subjects.

For something a bit more exotic, China now hosts many large corporations and Earth sciences is no stranger to their repertoire. As the country with the largest population, economy, and exporter of goods, there are plenty of opportunities for hands-on work, new friends, and jobs. This increase in commerce drastically affects the environment, which makes the the study of Earth sciences all the more sought after.

Prefer to hang out in the Shire with hobbits? New Zealand consists of two islands located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, hosting a variety of activities that are perfect for an Earth Science major, including, boarding down the Te Paki Sand Dunes or studying volcanology in the Taupo, which has 3 regularly active volcanoes. Similarly, Australia offers the endless Outback wilderness, the modernity of cosmopolitan cities, and globally-recognized degrees offered 100 percent in English.