Colorado State University
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation of Ecuadorian Biodiversity - This Winter Break faculty-led program provides you with first-hand exposure to the unparalleled biodiversity of Ecuador. You will visit a diversity of tropical habitats and learn the process of conducting ecological field research in incremental steps through the design and implementation of research projects. Highlights of the program include visits to Quito (capital in the Andes), Tiputini Biodiversity Station (Amazon trip), high elevation grasslands (páramo), hot springs, and the Galapagos Islands. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to: communicate in writing and orally the different tropical ecosystems found in Ecuador --terrestrial and aquatic-- and the dominant plant and animals species found in these ecosystems, communicate in writing and orally the threats facing Ecuadorian biodiversity, how these threats vary among different ecosystems in Ecuador, and potential solutions to reducing these ecosystems, know how to collaborate with international colleagues, including appreciating cultural differences; understanding historical legacies of U.S. and European research in the tropics; and communicating with colleagues who speak English as a second language. https://myedabroad.colostate.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11436 The Institute for the Built Environment at CSU offers 'Intro to Sustainable Design and Construction,' a 3-credit course in Costa Rica as a partnership with the University of Costa Rica. The 10-day course is offered to students and practitioners in interior design, construction management, business, landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, sustainability and related disciplines. This course is offered through the departments of Interior Design and Construction management. The course focuses on energy, healthy buildings, water efficiency, sustainable materials, solar design, and environmental topics pertinent to the sustainable practices affecting the built environment. Program participants gain knowledge about best green practices through experiential learning, field trips, and co-learning among diverse disciplines at an acclaimed eco-tourism demonstration site. https://energy.dev.colostate.edu/study-abroad/ CSU Abroad offers a summer faculty-led program titled, "Communities and Conservation in South Africa" which takes students into the wildest areas of savannah South Africa to work with and learn from rural community members. The 6 credit Ecosystem Science and Sustainability course will offer insights into the innovative forms of community-based natural resource management emerging in South Africa. Located in northern South Africa, the program will take place in relatively remote rural areas in and bordering Kruger National Park. Districts and villages to be visited include the Wits Rural Facility in Acornhoek, Shingwedzi Research Camp in Krugar National Park, HaMakuya, and Makalali. HaMakuya ("the place of Makuya") is notable both because of the strength of its community organization, and for the substantial contradictions, it experiences relating to poverty, refugees from neighboring Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and the proximity of the vast Kruger National Park, South Africa's largest wilderness areas. https://myedabroad.colostate.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11944 CSU also offers a whole range of Sustainability Focused Alternative Spring Breaks: https://lsc.colostate.edu/slice/slice-engagement/alternative-break/participate/ EARTH University (Summer) – Costa Rica. EARTH University invites CSU students to participate in a summer consortium program to learn about sustainability, community development, sustainable agriculture, and more during two-week summer sessions. Along with an intimate group of students from other US institutions, you will help local farmers to implement sustainable agriculture practices, stewardship, and social justice; receive training from professionals at one of the most prestigious universities devoted to sustainability in the world; and visit volcanoes, rainforests, or beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica. Gain hands-on experience with the course topics as you take your learning outside of the traditional classroom and into the farms and forests in rural Costa Rica! https://myedabroad.colostate.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=11095 Engineers without Borders, Peace Corp Grad Program - EWB-USA partners with developing communities in over 45 countries across the world. This membership consists of professionals and students from a variety of professions including engineering, health, anthropology and business. EWB-USA members make up over 225 chapters located throughout the USA. Through its projects, EWB-USA provides innovative professional educational opportunities that provide a global perspective. In addition, these projects provide much-needed assistance for basic services in host countries. https://www.engr.colostate.edu/ewb/

CSU offers many more sustainability related study abroad or service learning experiences.