Costa Rica
In recent years, Meredith College students have studied Spanish, tropical ecology, and environmental conservation in Costa Rica.

They learn from the local community about the environmental challenges facing Costa Rica, including deforestation, water and air pollution, and trash disposal, as well as how conservation is a part of the daily lives of Costa Ricans. Students spend time in the classroom learning Spanish and discussing topics such as ecotourism and sustainable development, and in the field exploring the diverse flora and fauna, and conducting independent research projects. Through various service-learning projects, students have planted 60 native trees in areas affected by deforestation, broke ground on a community school vegetable garden, and assisted in a cooperative sustainable farm. 

Italy
Other Meredith study abroad programs Meredith include sustainability curriculum, such as the semester-long program in Sansepolcro, Italy. Some courses focus on sustainability-related topics, for example, Italian natural history and an art course that includes a creative reuse segment.

In addition, student life in the Sansepolcro palazzo models sustainability by following conventional European practices. Students walk most places they go in town and use the train system. Eating locally in Italy is not a movement but a way of life. Recyclables and compostables are sorted by students as they learn more about materials (and practice their Italian!), and clothes and sheets are line dried when possible because electricity is very expensive with utilities’ true costs reflected.

For an extensive list of sustainability-focused study abroad programs through other universities, click here. (Sign in required, use a Meredith email address to create a free AASHE account.)