University of California, Santa Barbara
AC-5: Immersive Experience

UCSB has numerous immersive programs offered by the university itself or in partnership with outside programs. We would like to discuss two programs which focus on sustainability: 1. Wildlands Studies 2. UCEAP (University of California Education Abroad Program) #1 Wildlands Studies offers field study courses focused on particular projects relating to environmental issues and the communities they affect. Courses are offered all over the world and the majority range from 6 to 7 weeks long. Groups of students are led by professors/researchers who engage a group of students in field study research and learning during the program. Many of the Wildlands Studies projects involve students backpacking and camping for the majority of the program. Wildlands Studies offers UCSB students 18 quarter units of academic credit for 6-7 week programs and assigns letter grades to students, based on field exercises, group presentations, written exams, a term paper, entries in a field journal, and participation. The Environmental Studies Program at UCSB has had a long partnership with the Wildlands Studies Program and consistently sends several students to it each quarter. UCSB guarantees the transfer of academic credit from the program, supports recruitment events on campus, and is regularly the #1 institution sending students to the program. In the 2013-14 academic year, UCSB sent 28 student to the Wildlands Studies Program, as well as 40 students in 2014-15. UCSB has already sent 65 students to the program this academic year, with the number likely to increase in the Spring quarter. #2 UCEAP offers the following programs which focus on sustainability: Israel: Ben-Gurion Univ. of the Negev BGU, a world leader in sustainability research, offers the Sustainable Development and Environment Track, with a required research seminar and field study, plus other related courses. Students study the ecological, economic, social, cultural, demographic, and political aspects of sustainable development in the Middle East. Students who choose the BGU Israel program through UCEAP have the ability to choose the Sustainable Development Track during their semester or full year abroad. http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/israel/Pages/ben_gurion_univ.aspx New Zealand: Sustainability: Sciences & Environmental Management, Lincoln Univ. Lincoln University leads the way in New Zealand as the premiere institution for environmental and resource studies. Courses at Lincoln University are firmly anchored in the needs and issues of the real world, and professors at Lincoln focus their knowledge and research on contributions to sustainable management and conservation of land, water, and air, as well as the country's natural resources. Many courses have field trips or tours associated with them. While enrolled at Lincoln, students can also participate in an independent research project of their choosing or volunteer for a community-based project that will add a working, hands-on element to their studies. Students have the choice to study abroad at Lincoln for either the Fall or Spring semester. http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/new_zealand/Pages/sustainability_lincoln_univ.aspx Australia & Solomon Islands: Pacific Island Environmental & Community Health Students with a deep commitment to service and sustainability have the opportunity to engage with development issues facing fragile Pacific island environments. Six weeks of intensive training at the University of Queensland prepares students for this unique research and work, and further study at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will ground students in the specific environmental and health challenges facing the nation. In the final phase of the program, students undertake group research projects as they work alongside SINU students in the magnificent and remote communities of the Western Province. The full program is 11 weeks long during Spring. http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/australia/Pages/pacific-island-environ-community-health.aspx Germany: Engineering for Sustainability, Munich Univ. of Applied Sciences The Munich University of Applied Sciences program is characterized by its focus on sustainability and green technology, a practice-oriented approach to learning, and close ties to local businesses and firms. Course topics may include: Smart Vehicles, Gas Turbines, Internal Combustion Engines, Embedded Systems, Smart Environments, and Sustainable Entrepreneurship. The program is only offered to students during the Summer. http://eap.ucop.edu/OurPrograms/germany/Pages/engineering_sustainability_munich_u_applied_science.aspx