Top 5 Eco-Friendly Study Abroad Programs for Sustainability Students

eco-friendly study abroad programs

In this post, we will examine the top 5 eco-friendly study abroad programs for college students. Plus, we’ll cover how to make these programs more affordable and what benefits you’ll get from choosing a green study abroad experience.

Why Choose an Eco-Friendly Study Abroad Program?

Did you know that 45% of 16 to 25-year-olds are suffering from climate anxiety? Well, they’re not wrong for worrying so much about today’s environmental challenges. The truth is that the world is dealing with serious problems. These problems include climate change, pollution, disappearing resources, and the loss of plants and animals.

To make up for what has already been lost, earning a degree in just one country is often not enough. Climate change is happening worldwide, and some countries are feeling its effects much more strongly than others. Hence, environmental and sustainability programs are rising in popularity throughout the globe.

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As future leaders in sustainability, it’s crucial to learn how to tackle environmental problems from all perspectives, including through your education. Choose an eco-friendly study abroad program! This will let you dive deeper into sustainability topics, giving you a chance to walk the talk.

More and more students are looking for study abroad programs focusing on sustainability, and it’s easy to understand why. They want to travel and study in ways that protect the environment and help make the world better. Fortunately, many sustainability-focused universities are starting to offer educational and good programs for the planet to accommodate the rising demands.

An eco-friendly study abroad program has many benefits. These programs go beyond just providing education—they focus on teaching students how to live and learn in ways that help the planet.

Eco-friendly study abroad programs help you make a difference by reducing carbon footprints, supporting local green projects, and using resources wisely. Many of these programs also offer hands-on experiences, so you can apply what you learn to real-life environmental projects.

What Makes a Study Abroad Program Eco-Friendly?

Several factors come into play when choosing sustainable study abroad opportunities:

  1. Sustainable Campus Initiatives
  2. Green Certifications
  3. Low-Carbon Travel Options
  4. Curriculum
  5. Community Engagement and Local Partnerships

Sustainable Campus Initiative

A truly eco-friendly study abroad program will prioritize sustainability on campus. This could mean waste reduction programs, water conservation efforts, and renewable energy use. Some universities even have sustainability offices dedicated to promoting environmental best practices.

Green Certification

Look for programs that are certified by recognized environmental organizations. You can also check if the program has received specific green certifications. These could include certifications like

  • Green Campus Certification
  • ISO 14001
  • LEED Certification
  • Fair Trade Certification
  • Carbon Trust Standard

Low-Carbon Travel Option

One of the biggest challenges with studying abroad is the carbon footprint associated with international travel. Some eco-friendly programs focus on minimizing this impact by encouraging low-carbon travel methods.

They include but are not limited to:

  • using trains or buses for local travel
  • offsetting carbon emissions
  • offering virtual exchange options where you can study remotely

Community Engagement and Local Partnerships

Some of the best study abroad programs for eco-conscious students are those that work closely with local groups and communities focused on sustainability. These programs get you involved in environmental projects, volunteer work, and conservation efforts that are happening right where you’re studying. You’ll not only learn more about sustainability but also help make a positive impact in the area.

Plus, you’ll learn from people already doing amazing work to protect the environment.

Curriculum Focus on Sustainability

Of course, the most important aspect of green study abroad programs is the education itself. The best programs will integrate sustainability into the curriculum, whether that’s through classes on climate change, environmental policy, renewable energy, or sustainable agriculture.

Many programs also offer fieldwork or projects that provide skills that are useful in real-world situations.

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Study Abroad Programs for Sustainability Students

Here are the top universities with eco-friendly study options:

New York University

New York City, New York

Average Undergraduate Tuition: $56,500

Average Graduate Tuition: $39,000 – $60,000 (varies by program)

New York University has been continuously ranked highly as one of the best universities with study abroad programs for sustainability majors.

Currently, NYU’s Environmental Studies Abroad programs offer the chance to take environmental courses at various global locations, including:

  • NYU Shanghai, where you can explore China’s environmental policies
  • NYU Sydney, which delves into the influence of literature on environmental action
  • NYU Abu Dhabi, where you can study multidisciplinary environmental courses, such as Global Climate Change and History and the Environment: The Middle East.

You can also study US environmental policy in multiple cities. Each location offers valuable insights into the host country’s environmental trends and history.

Here are some study abroad scholarships for NYU Study Away students:

  • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: As much as $8,000/semester
  • Gilman-McCain Scholarship: $5,000/semester
  • Freeman Awards for Study in Asia: Up to $7,000/year

Pennsylvania State University

University Park, Pennsylvania

Average Undergraduate Tuition: $23,210 (in-state), $41,234 (out-of-state)

Average Graduate Tuition: $20,712 (in-state), $29,390 (out-of-state)

With more than 400 sustainability-focused courses, Penn State is committed to promoting green practices and educating all students about environmental responsibility. There are several environmentally friendly international programs available to Penn State students. The Office of Global Programs offers different study abroad options:

  • Year-long
  • Semester-long
  • Summer
  • Shorter embedded programs

You can choose the one that works best for you. If you’re a working adult with family responsibilities, a shorter embedded program might be the most practical option.

Penn State programs select 10-15 students each year to promote the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally.  

Awards:

  • Embedded Program: $1,000
  • Summer Program: $1,500
  • Semester Program: $2,000

Stanford University

Stanford, California

Average Undergraduate Tuition: $56,169

Average Graduate Tuition: $54,315

The Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP) offers you the chance to study abroad while remaining enrolled at Stanford. About 50% of each graduating class participates. All BOSP programs provide direct Stanford credit for overseas courses, often counting toward majors or Ways of Thinking/Ways of Doing Requirements (WAYS).

Each year brings new locations and themes, offering a variety of ways to gain global experience while earning Stanford credit. In the Summer Quarter 2024-25, the BSOP offered 3-4 week Special Summer Programs in Cape Town and Santiago.

The Cape Town program explored how global public health has shaped, and been shaped by, South Africa’s past and present. The Santiago program focused on sustainability in Chile, covering global and local perspectives, urban sustainability, and indigenous views on conservation.

Stanford provides Global Seminar students with:

  • Housing, meals, and onsite transportation for the program’s duration
  • All program excursions and activities

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Average Undergraduate Tuition: $61,000

Average Graduate Tuition: $41,070 (for most programs)

Penn Abroad offers global opportunities focused on sustainability, climate justice, and conservation. Some of its opportunities include:

Semester Abroad Programs:

  • CIEE Monteverde, Costa Rica – Study tropical ecology and conservation in the Cloud Rainforest. This includes hands-on activities like hiking, specimen collection, and ecotourism. Spanish and biology prerequisites apply.
  • James Cook University, Australia – Located near the Great Barrier Reef, it offers courses in marine conservation and sustainability. It has been recognized for its contributions to marine protection.
  • United Kingdom & Ireland – Known for its sustainability initiatives, including native wild plant gardens and student sustainability activities.

Research or Internships:

  • GRIP: Sustainable Development (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) – Gain hands-on experience in environmental sustainability. It includes internships in urban planning, renewable energy, and green building in a rapidly developing economy.
  • GRIP: Engineering Research (Singapore) – Conduct cutting-edge research in engineering at the National University of Singapore. It helps you gain valuable skills while learning from top faculty and researchers.

Penn Global Seminars:

  • Case Studies in Environmental Sustainability (Iceland) – Explore Earth and environmental issues through case studies and field visits in Iceland.
  • Tourism, Sustainability, and Local Impact in Indonesia – Examine the complex dynamics of tourism’s impact on culture and sustainability in Bali.

UPenn offers several eco-friendly study abroad programs, but it may not be ideal for students with limited finances due to the few scholarships and funding options available. However, highly competitive applicants may receive generous funding offers.

Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan

Average Undergraduate Tuition: $15,000 (in-state), $40,000 (out-of-state)

Average Graduate Tuition: $19,200 (in-state), $38,000 (out-of-state)

Now, if you’re looking for the most affordable, sustainable study abroad programs, consider Michigan State University. Students can study, research, intern, and collaborate with local communities globally. Its education abroad programs are academically focused, with credits counting toward graduation.

The current offering is South Africa: Conservation, Sustainability, and Ecotourism Education. It’s known as one of the best low-carbon footprint study abroad programs today. This program, led by Dr. Everett and Dr. Eustice, focuses on conservation, sustainability, and ecotourism in South Africa. Key educational and ecotourism experiences include:

  • Wildlife Game Drives
  • Sustainable Tourism in Kruger National Park
  • Local Village Tour and Community Panel
  • Drakensberg Mountains and Biodiversity Tour
  • Walking Safaris

How to Afford Eco-Friendly Study Abroad Programs

Studying abroad is a valuable experience, but cost is often a barrier. The average cost is around $16,368, with some programs ranging from $15,000 to $22,000. College-run programs align with tuition prices, while third-party ones can vary.

Don’t be discouraged—there are ways to make it more affordable. Here are some tips to help you reduce costs:

1. Apply for sustainability scholarships.

Many universities, including the ones listed above, offer scholarships specifically for students studying sustainability. These range from partial to full tuition coverage, and some even cover living expenses. Make sure to check with the international office or the sustainability department for available funding.

2. Look for work-study opportunities.

If you’re open to working while studying abroad, check if your program offers work-study options or internships that align with your sustainability goals. This can help offset some of your living costs and give you valuable experience.

3. Ask about eco-grants.

Some organizations and foundations offer grants for students pursuing green initiatives. Look into sustainability-focused organizations that provide financial support for students studying abroad in environmental fields.

4. Budget wisely.

Living frugally while abroad can make a big difference. Opt for student housing, cook your meals, and look for free or low-cost activities. Budgeting apps and student discounts can also help you save money during your time abroad.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Study Abroad Programs for Sustainability Majors

Choosing an eco-friendly study abroad program is about more than just helping the environment—it’s also a fantastic way to kickstart your career in sustainability.

You’ll gain so much from these programs, so let’s dive into some of the key benefits:

Hands-On Experience

These programs are all about giving you real-world experience. Whether you’re working on conservation projects, diving into renewable energy initiatives, or supporting environmental policies, you’ll be actively contributing to something meaningful and impactful.

Networking Opportunities

You’ll get to connect with students, professionals, and organizations that share your passion for sustainability. These connections could be the ones that help you land your dream job or internship down the line.

Global Perspective

Studying abroad means you’ll have the chance to see how different countries approach environmental issues. You’ll learn from diverse perspectives and bring back a wealth of knowledge that’ll set you apart as a more well-rounded, globally-minded sustainability professional.

Conclusion: Choose a Program That Aligns With Your Values

Pursuing eco-friendly study abroad programs is your chance to explore different sustainability initiatives in real-time. However, you need to make sure the program fits your values and career goals.

Start looking at your choices, apply for scholarships, and take that first step toward an amazing, green study abroad adventure!