The mineral springs resort of Zzyzx in California is the site of a unique academic research center in high desert studies. It is being developed into a Desert Studies Center for seven southern campuses of the California State University and College System, and will provide field work opportunities for geology, geography, and anthropology students.…

Offering a single degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Human Ecology, the College of the Atlantic (COA) has completed its maiden academic year on Maine's Mt. Desert Island. (Author)

The status and activities of the Center for Strategic and International Studies and its ties to Georgetown University are described. CSIS serves as a kind of open university for policy makers, outlining the issues and policy choices that the U.S. will face in the future. It maintains a professional staff of 25, has a politically conservative…

Russian and Soviet studies specialists see long-term threats to the field's continuing strength with the sudden decline of private and public funding. Some potential problems are identified: narrowed language offerings, declining enrollments, and a history of politicization in Soviet studies. The use of Soviet emigres is advocated. (MLW)

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which promises closer economic relations between Canada, the United States, and Mexico, has implications for higher education. These include the need for better understanding of the different educational systems, more educational and cultural exchange, and expanded area studies and language…

Programs at Western Kentucky University including undergraduate curricula in Latin-American and Asian studies, technical assistance projects overseas, student and faculty exchange programs, seminars and workshops, and community activities are described. "Friendship teams" (a faculty advisor, four international students, and an American…