Portland State University
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Portland State University offers a number of sustainability immersive experiences, ranging from international studies programs, to general education requirement capstone programs, and internships. Example programs include the following:

* Environmental, Cultural + Economic Sustainability Program in Beijing, China
https://vikingsabroad.pdx.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10102

* Sustainability and the Environment in Monteverde, Costa Rica
https://vikingsabroad.pdx.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10166

* Living Systems Immersion: Sustainability & PDC in the Peruvian Andes
https://vikingsabroad.pdx.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10282

*Climate Change and Sustainability from Mount Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar
https://vikingsabroad.pdx.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10536

*ELP 510: Soil, Soul, Society: Learning regenerative practices for earth-care, self-care, and people care (4)
This course has been offered as an experiential travel course in 2010 in Oregon, in 2011 & 2012 in Costa Rica, in 2013 in Cuba, in 2014 on the San Juan Islands, and in 2015, 2016 & 2017 at the Finca Esperanza Verde in Nicaragua. Course themes have included deep ecology and regenerative practices for self and community. Currently the description is: Spend 9 days in the rainforest of Costa Rica, immersed in regenerative practices for earth, self, and local communities. At Rancho Mastatal, a sustainability education center, we will learn about regenerative practices for earth care from local community members who are directly involved in co-creating resilient and abundant systems. We’ll explore tropical ecosystems and will engage with the site’s many permaculture projects including gardens and natural buildings. We will explore regenerative practices for self-care through stories, readings, group reflection and guided contemplative activities, as well as daily quiet time alone, journaling, and movement such as daily morning yoga, swimming, and walking. Locally procured healthy meals will also contribute to our self-regenerative practice. Additionally, we’ll learn about people care and social and cultural regeneration through an understanding of local history, and involvement with local people, an indigenous tribe, and local food traditions. We’ll also learn about regenerative economic systems by exploring local microbusinesses. This course offers a close up look at a community that is intentionally engaging in ecological, social, and economic regenerative practices. Rancho Mastatal provides locals with profitable and sustainable ways make a living and to share their culture with others.