The Environmental Studies Program values the skills and experiential learning that students acquire while studying abroad. International education can be an integral part of a student’s course of study and career trajectory. There are numerous programs worldwide with an environmental focus, and we encourage students to do their own research to identify the best fit, including academics, location, and experiential opportunities.
We wish to highlight several programs that we have specifically vetted, and that numerous ENVS students have attended. Each of these programs offers courses that have been pre-approved for credit for the ENVS major/minor, as well as exciting experiential learning opportunities and even internship possibilities. Students with further questions can speak with the program chair, Dr. Matt Mariola (Williams Hall 083), as well as our great staff in the Global Engagement Office in APEX.
Off-Campus Study Programs with Pre-Approved Credits for ENVS Majors/Minors
Umbra Institute: Perugia, Italy: Program in Food, Sustainability, and the Environment
International Sustainable Development Studies Institute (ISDSI): Chiang Mai, northern Thailand
Danish Institute for Study Abroad: Copenhagen, Denmark: Featuring programs in Environmental Science of the Arctic, and Sustainability in Northern Europe
Hear More About Our Students’ Experiences
Name, pronouns: Helena Janczak (she, her)
Where did you study abroad?: Perugia, Italy
What classes did you take while you were there?: Experiencing Sustainable Italian Foodways, Digital Marketing: Wine and Wineries of Central Italy
What was your favorite experience from the trip?: My favorite experience from the trip was having weekly Thursday night dinners with a group of about eight friends. At first, it was a way to get to know more people but throughout the semester it became an unwinding ritual of cooking and dancing all night.
Would you recommend going abroad to other students? If so, why?: Absolutely. You will hear adults tell you that there is no better time to travel than when you are in your early twenties or even while in college and this could not be more true. Studying abroad was amazing because you get to experience the culture of the country you chose but also visit many other countries that are close by. Studying abroad also helped me realize what I would like to do post-graduation and that there is really no limit to what you can achieve.
Name, pronouns: Alice Markey, she/her/hers
Where did you study abroad?: DIS in Copenhagen, Denmark
What classes did you take while you were there?: My core course was Sustainable Food, and I also took Danish, Sustainable Design, Strategies for Urban Livability, and Environmental Philosophy.
What was your favorite experience from the trip?: My favorite experience was traveling with my core course! We did a short trip around Denmark and a longer trip to Barcelona, and both times our class bonded so much between our visits to farms and during our downtime. DIS emphasizes experiential learning and there was a ton of it in every class, which really made the topics come to life.
Would you recommend going abroad to other students? If so, why?: I would definitely recommend going abroad. ENVS is already such an interdisciplinary subject, and learning about environmental studies in another country introduces you to even more place-based perspectives and sub-disciplines. I had a great time learning alongside students from other universities, and beyond the classroom, there are so many opportunities for self-growth.
Name, pronouns: Claire Brennan, any pronouns
Where did you study abroad?: Copenhagen (København), Denmark
What classes did you take while you were there?: Sustainable Development in Northern Europe, Sustainable by Design, Integrated Climate Change Planning, Danish Language and Culture, and Nordic Mythology
What was your favorite experience from the trip?: Spending each Wednesday doing field studies that enabled me to explore the city and get hands-on experience with climate-resilient designs, adaptive city planning, and innovations in waste management and sustainable agriculture.
Would you recommend going abroad to other students? If so, why?: Absolutely. I think travel is inherently valuable for its contributions to personal growth. It helps you to find your place in the world and build compassion for others. My study abroad experience helped me build confidence and independence and added a depth and richness to my environmental education that I would not have gained otherwise.
