Duke University
ER-12: Sustainability Immersive Experience

Duke offers students two sustainability-focused immersive experiences: program sites focused on sustainability through DukeEngage, and environmentally related study abroad programs.

The DukeEngage program, launched in 2007, provides funding for Duke undergraduates who wish to pursue an immersive (minimum of eight weeks) service experience by meeting a community need locally, domestically or internationally. The program has benefited from the additional support of a growing number of generous and devoted alumni and friends. Since the program began, more than 1000 Duke students have participated. DukeEngage supported students participating in the 2010 "Managing Environmental Organizations" program in Portland, Oregon, making it the first DukeEngage program that systematically fosters a holistic marriage of service to the environment with a personal commitment to voluntary simplicity and sustainable living. Students assessed their carbon footprints through a personal carbon calculator, which tracked participants’ behavior and monitor electricity usage, modes of transportation, and dietary decisions. The Portland program educated students on ways to reduce their carbon footprint through the use of public transportation, maintaining a vegetarian, locally focused, organic diet, as well as additional environmentally focused lifestyle choices. The group also participated in environmental projects in Portland on the weekends to collectively offset carbon that is not eliminated through behavioral changes, including beach cleanups, community gardens, and tree planting. Several new program sites with thematic areas in environmental advocacy and sustainability will be offered in summer 2011, including Bayou Grace, Louisiana; Beaufort, NC; Argentina; Ecuador; and India.

Duke’s Study Abroad Office has approved environmentally related programs hosted by the School for International Training (http://www.sit.edu/studyabroad/) and the School for Field Studies (http://www.fieldstudies.org/). There are a myriad of SIT programs in 17 different countries focused on sustainability issues in which Duke students can choose to participate as well as numerous SFS programs spanning a range of environmental topics. With approval, students can also take advantage of environmentally-focused programs offered through the ECOSA Institute (http://www.ecosainstitute.org/) and Living Routes (http://www.livingroutes.org/).