Climate Change & Sustainability Programs

Green Travel Guide

Check out our PDF guide or download our easy access word document. 

Study Abroad Program Options

There are many programs available that offer at least one course focused on conservation, sustainable development, and/or climate change. Some programs are entirely focused on these topics and provide experiential learning in this field.

W&M Programs 

• W&M Faculty-Led Programs in the summer and winter often include courses centered on sustainability, focusing on unique local contexts. Course and location offerings change from year to year.
• W&M Tuition Exchange, Assisted Enroll, and Sponsored Semester Programs allow W&M to study at an international university, where they can take classes focused on sustainability, among other topics.

Third Party Programs 

These are some program providers that offer programs and/or individual courses focused on sustainability and the environment. Programs in this field are expanding, and more opportunities are becoming available. Courses, locations and programs are searchable on each provider’s website and are subject to change; check with the program provider directly via the links below for updated information.

[Note: Participation in Third Party Programs requires registration with the Global Education Office.]

• DIS – Study Abroad in Scandinavia
• School for Field Studies (SFS)
• School for International Training (SIT)
• Sea Education Association
• Sea|Mester 
• AIFS
• API
• CEA CAPA
• CIEE
• CIS
• IES
• IFSA
• SAI
• USAC
• WorldStrides

International Flight Emissions

Emissions produced as a result of air travel are considered Scope 3 emissions by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol for W&M. Scope 3 emissions are the indirect result of business and can be claimed as Scope 1 (direct result emissions) by another company, such as the airline. Carbon emissions per international trip can be reduced by booking direct flights or routes with as few connecting flights as possible. If traveling on an excursion while abroad, use public transportation such as trains or buses whenever possible.

Travelers have a few options for flights that have no other transit alternative. Research airlines which have already made changes to reduce the amount of emissions through technological advances and book only in economy class. Carbon offsets can also be purchased to help offset the emissions produced by the flight. These offsets are usually a fraction of the total flight cost (typical roundtrip offset will cost: Barcelona $25, to London $21, to Beijing $45, to Sydney $46).

• Gold Standard 
• Green-E 
• Terrapass

Resources 

• W&M Office of Sustainability
• W&M Institute for Innovative Conservation (IIC)
• UVA Sustainability & Education Abroad
• UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Project Drawdown
• Forum on Education Abroad Guide to SDG's
• UN World Travel Organization