Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 46.90
Liaison Hannes Gerhardt
Submission Date March 30, 2018
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.1

University of West Georgia
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Hannes Gerhardt
Sustainability Director
Department of Geosciences
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Does the institution offer at least one immersive, sustainability-focused educational study program that is one week or more in length?:
Yes

A brief description of the sustainability-focused immersive program(s) offered by the institution, including how each program addresses the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability:
This is a study abroad opportunity in Belize offered by the Biology department. The program focuses on sustainability on multiple levels, with a heavy focus on the environment but also including considerations of the culture. Multiple field excursion are made to visit the middle reaches of a watershed, a pine savanna, tropical forest, the headwater region of multiple watersheds, and an island in a barrier reef. Students follow the flow of water from its source, through the rivers, to estuaries, and finally to the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, learning about the various ecosystems and their vulnerabilities. The culture of Belize is explored by eating authentic meals, visiting Mayan ruins and villages, and conversing with local Belizeans. Students learn about evaluating information and sources to make informed decisions and act as globally responsible citizens and travelers.

Optional Fields 

The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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