University of Montana
AC-5: Immersive Experience

The College of Forestry and Conservation offers a minor in Climate Change Studies that is available to all students, regardless of discipline. As part of the minor, students may select a sustainability-focused immersive experience in Vietnam to study the effects of climate change. The faculty directed New Zealand & Sydney, Australia study abroad program introduces students to alternative energy projects and carbon emissions trading. Students spend time in Kaikoura, where they learn about sustainable communities and businesses. They then visit Christchurch, where they learn about sustainable agricultural practices. In Queenstown, students learn about managing sustainable tourism enterprises. Finally, they explore the themes of international business, marketing, and sustainability in Sydney, Australia. The environmental studies program's Forum for Living with Appropriate Technonlogy (FLAT) practicum is a sustainable demonstration house located in Missoula, Montana, and run by students from the university of Montana. Project successes include a converted two-car garage turned passive solar community gathering place, solar panel and pellet stove installations and permaculture via a prodigious garden, greenhouse and hot bed.