The Ohio State University
AC-5: Immersive Experience

The Office of International Affairs offers many study abroad programs where the courses touch on issues of sustainability; the following programs are highlighted because they specifically focus on sustainability: -Sustaining Human Societies and the Natural Environment (Australia) This 3.5-week experiential program uses the theme of sustainable development to explore the relationship between people and their natural environment. This study abroad experience takes place in the state of Queensland, Australia and includes an introduction to the Great Barrier Reef on Magnetic Island, ethnographic study of agriculture lifestyles in Malanda, mining and farming in Tyrconnell, a service project and habitat exploration in Yungaburra, snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas, and rainforest exploration in Cape Tribulation. -FAES Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability in the Caribbean (Dominican Republic) Some of the topics that students will study and see in the Dominican Republic are: Agricultural farming (organic and conventional), waste management, forestry management, park conservation and water management. Service learning opportunities are to be determined. Possible projects include: Reforestation, rural community development, aquaculture/community garden construction and watercourse cleaning projects. -Iceland Environment and Natural Resources (Iceland) The numerous environmental issues found throughout the island provide a wonderful outdoor classroom for students to study and observe issues such as land degradation (deforestation, soil erosion, and desertification) and the threats of poor resource protection, as well as the possibilities of environmental restoration and the benefits of resource conservation. In addition to learning about environmental issues, students will learn about industries such as fishing and whaling, and Icelandic tourism and park management will be studied on field trips to national parks with unusual features such as geysers, glaciers and hot springs. -School for Field Studies (Australia, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Kenya, New Zealand, Panama) SFS programs teach resource management, ecological and economic concepts using an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach. Critical issues addressed by SFS teams include preserving entire ecosystems or individual species, balancing economic development and conservation and finding ways to manage and maintain wildlife, marine and agricultural resources.