Arizona State University
AC-5: Immersive Experience

ASU and the School of Sustainability have several sustainability-focused immersive programs. Below are examples that we have confirmed ran in 2022:

1. Hawaii – Getting to 100%: The Promise and Challenge of Renewables in Hawaii
This program is intended to give students an in-depth look at building a functional sustainable energy system on the Big Island of Hawaii. The state of Hawaii has recently set a goal of developing a 100% renewable energy grid by 2045. This goal will make Hawaii a real-world laboratory for developing a sustainable energy system in an island setting, which adds several benefits and obstacles to this ambitious goal. Students will visit and engage with energy stakeholders in Hawaii and evaluate Hawaii’s energy resources and energy policy options. This program is 8 days long.

2. Singapore: Innovation and Urbanization in a Biodiversity Hotspot
Students learn about the history, cultural influences, economy, and environment (for both humans and wildlife) of Singapore. Singapore, an extraordinary city-state in Southeast Asia, maintains one of the world’s strongest economies while earning recognition as the 11th most-sustainable city on Earth. Students will learn the value of local knowledge, as well as how to apply critical-thinking skills toward innovative solutions.
Singapore is working to green 80% of its buildings by 2030, aiming to become one of the world’s greenest cities in the future. But for now, they’re considered the greenest city in Asia. It’s one of the leading cities in the world for tree coverage in the area. Nearly 40% of Singapore’s water comes from used water that’s been purified and treated. With this much innovation, this city will surely become a sustainability leader for years to come. This program is 9 days long. (Courtesy of https://thesustainablelivingguide.com/most-sustainable-cities/)

3. Community as Partner in Costa Rica: Sustainable Health Promotion
This course takes a transdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between the environmental, economic, and socio-political challenges as Costa Rica works towards meeting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal targets set for 2030. Working in partnership with local students and faculty from the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica (UniLatina), students explore three of the public-health-focused Sustainable Development Goals. Students can enhance their understanding of their chosen major while enriching their perspective by researching a transdisciplinary set of regional challenges. This program is 8 days long.

4. Ecuador: Indigenous Sustainability Solutions In the Amazon
In this immersive program, students will learn from one of the most emblematic indigenous groups in the Americas to explore challenges and possible solutions for sustaining the Amazon. Students will be based at the heart of the rainforest learning experientially and experimentally about sustainability, bio culture, rivers, and ecological management. Learning will happen in direct contact with highly biodiverse ecosystems and their indigenous stewards. Upon completion of this hands-on program, students will be able to combine indigenous and scientific knowledge of water management, biomonitoring, wildlife restoration, eco-tourism, and other sustainability solutions. This program is 9 days long.


Additional sustainability-related study abroad programs are offered to ASU students that can be found through the ASU Global Education Office (https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu/).

Additional immersive experiences offered over the past three years include:

The Global Resolve Program (https://barretthonors.asu.edu/globalresolve)
A social entrepreneurship program designed to enhance the educational experience for interested and qualified ASU students by involving them in semester-long projects through courses that directly improve the lives of underprivileged people, and/or those in under-developed nations throughout the world.

The School of Sustainability Internship Program (https://schoolofsustainability.asu.edu/student-life/sustainability-internships-opportunities/)
Students majoring in sustainability have access to a full-time internship coordinator and a list of internship opportunities in sustainability. The internship program allows students to take the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and apply them to a work setting. Internships offer students the opportunity to learn from professionals and explore potential career options. At the School of Sustainability, internships for credit are combined with academic coursework that encourages critical reflection on the internship experience.

The School of Sustainability Frasier Global Mentorship Program (https://schoolofsustainability.asu.edu/frasier-global-mentorship-program/)
An immersive, high–impact experience that fosters a global perspective and a broader context of sustainability while learning about career paths in the field of sustainability.
HAWAII
https://studyabroad.asu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11229

Costa Rica:
https://studyabroad.asu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11418

Ecuador:
https://studyabroad.asu.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11358