South Dakota State University
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Through SDSU's partnership with Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and International Studies Abroad (ISA) several study abroad programs are titled with sustainability. These courses include but are not limited to: CIEE's Environmental, Cultural + Economic Sustainability Program in Beijing, China and ISA's Eco-World: Renewable Energy and Sustainability in Spain. However, these are not the only sustainability immersion options. Several programs may focus on another aspect, but include or provide the opportunity to immerse yourself in sustainability. Study abroad staff is eager to work with students to help find programs centered around sustainability interests. This past year, SDSU provided a stipend for one student to be the Brookings Sustainability Council's intern. The internship assessed whether the 22.9% poverty rate was an accurate representation of the City of Brookings. The intern also helped asses how many places in Brookings have local food into their businesses. Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is a nationwide program that encourages partnerships with communities that will last 5 or more years. These partnerships should provide an improved quality of life for the community's residents. SDSU's chapter of EWB works to provide safe drinking water to a rural community in Bolivia. They help build chlorination systems and provide education to the community on the importance of safe water and how to utilize the chlorination system. The group has made several trips to Bolivia to install two chlorination systems and work with the local residents.

Information covers the past 3 years.