Chatham University
ER-12: Sustainability Immersive Experience

In the sense that sustainability is one of the three mission initiatives of the university, and as such is a constant conversation and more and more a part of daily life. There is no formal program in the sense of an isolated "experience." Being at Chatham University itself is a sustainable experience because sustainability is infused into every part of the institution. Our general education program has study abroad programs in Costa Rica, Belize and New Zealand. Below are some course descriptions. Costa Rica: Sustainable Costa Rica, 2011 Duration: May 2 – 10, 2011 (Required classes at Chatham Eastside April 28, May 16 and 17) The Course: Sustainable Costa Rica offers real world exposure to one of the last remaining pristine eco-systems on earth. Students will tour sustainably built and/or LEED rated residential and commercial structures. Additionally, the group shall see buildings and interiors built in the Costa Rican vernacular style. Readings, lectures, and activities will advance the understanding of how the built and natural environment can co-exist so that neither is compromised. A deeper understanding of how this relationship works shall be done by studying biomimicry, which is the science of how nature would solve a problem. By visiting wildlife reserves, biological reserves, volcanoes, sustainable plantations, and rainforests, students shall experience natural systems, thus affording models that could provide solutions for human needs. A camera and/or video camera will be required for this course. Belize A Voyage of Discovery thru Service, 2011 Students will travel to San Ignacio, Belize, for a three-part program– volunteer activities, cultural interactions and the study of sustainable development in situ. Students will learn about the local sustainable development issues at several villages with distinctly different ethnic compositions (Mennonites, Hispanics, Maya and Garifuna). The students will do preliminary site visits upon arrival followed by case studies of ongoing sustainability projects in which the students will analyze, offer recommendations, and help with local projects. The program will also include cultural activities and events. Free time/weekend activities may include trips to the open-air market, the local pyramids and a visit to the Mayan ruins. Guatemala/Belize 2010, 2009 and several years prior… -Belize and Guatemala offer unique opportunities to study the partnerships between environmentally conscious humans and a wide variety of natural and cultural environments. Students will study the rain forest, mountain, and marine habitats of howler monkeys, jaguars, and reef fish, learning firsthand about grassroots environmental organization, and participate in an on-site service-learning project (e.g., at the Belize Botanical Garden). In addition, they will deepen their understanding of Mayan culture and history by first studying and then visiting classic Mayan archeological sites such as Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, and Tikal, and by visiting contemporary Mayan communities. This course will focus on rainforest and reef ecology, Mayan history and culture, and cultural diversity. Finally, students will apply their new knowledge by sharing their insights through follow-up presentations at Chatham upon their return to develop leadership and demonstrate global citizenship. Ecuador – The Galapagos Islands: A Conservation Experience 2011 and 2012 The Course: Participants in this program will spend their first week on Santa Cruz Island doing conservation work and visiting local attractions. During their second week, participants will be on San Cristobal Island volunteering on key community, conservation and social projects. You will end your program with a fascinating and relaxing week at Isabella Island where you can relax and visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center as well as Las Tintorera Islet to see white tip sharks, and more. Keep in mind that due to a combination of the rigorous nature of the conservation work and the intense tropical climate, this is a very physically demanding experience. New Zealand http://www.ecoquest.unh.edu/summer Weeks, 3 Islands, 8 Credits: an unforgettable Summer Program in Aotearoa New Zealand Our five-week summer program provides an unequalled opportunity to gain academic credits while working toward sustainable solutions for the management of natural resources. All learning opportunities offered by EcoQuest are packaged into a curriculum framework which addresses ecology and environmental policy pertaining to the real-life case studies which span the full spectrum of restoration opportunities on offshore islands in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand's largest marine embayment. Since 1999, Tiritiri Matangi Island and Ponui Island have been core destinations for the Summer Program. Motuihe and Motutapu islands are relatively recent additions to ecological restoration of offshore islands in New Zealand, and their potential conservation value is extremely high. In 2006 EcoQuest was invited to contribute to ecological restoration efforts on Motuihe, and since 2010 we have extended out efforts to include Motutapu.