Environmental and Sustainability Studies Abroad

There are hundreds of opportunities to intern throughout the developing world with a focus on environmental and sustainability studies and resource management or ecology. Maybe you want to work on water supply and sanitation in Ghana; restoration ecology in Ecuador and Peru; in Brazil with rainforest conservation; or with an NGO on sustainable energy in China, Thailand or India. In our globalizing world, the challenges of developing countries are those of the developed as well.

Environmental and Sustainability Studies Programs

Internships

Academic Advice

Scholarships

Department Contact

Resources for Advisors

HTM

Program Suggestions

The programs highlighted on this page are a good fit for students in Environmental and Sustainability Studies.

Semester and Academic Year Programs

Location

Program, Host Institution, or University Name

Program Type

Courses

Notes

Australia

University of the Sunshine Coast

Exchange

Pre-Approved Courses

Sunny Queensland coast—beaches, wildlife-rich campus near Brisbane

Italy

Umbra Institute Perugia

Provider

Pre-Approved Courses

Semester, summer, option for internships or independent research

Thailand

WorldStrides: Mahidol University

Provider

Pre-Approved Courses

Ideal for students pursuing Asian studies, global health, or sustainability themes.

Costa Rica

GVSU in Costa Rica

Provider

Pre-Approved Courses

This is a GVSU signature program, offering additional support and discounts for students

Multiple Locations

SFS: School for Field Studies

Provider

Pre-Approved Courses

Field locations in Costa Rica, Cambodia, Tanzania, Kenya, and more!

Summer Programs

Location

Program

Program Type

Courses

Notes

Multiple Locations

SFS: School for Field Studies

Provider

Pre-Approved Courses

Field locations in Costa Rica, Cambodia, Tanzania, Kenya, and more!

Asia Pacific

WorldStrides: Internships in Australia, Thailand, New Zealand

Provider

Pre-Approved Courses

Offers experiential learning like habitat assessments, sustainable farm practices, wildlife monitoring, eco-tourism planning etc

Costa Rica

CIEE: Summer Global Internship

Provider

Available Courses

Skill-building with reflective learning

Costa Rica

GVSU in Costa Rica

Provider

Pre-Approved Courses

This is a GVSU signature program, offering additional support and discounts for students

Explore Other Program Options

There are other program options available. Schedule a study abroad advising appointment to learn more or browse our other program options:

Browse More Programs

Other Opportunities

Internships

Gain real-world experience globally and build your international network by participating in an ENS internship abroad. 

Internships Abroad

Internships

Academic Advice

  • The earliest you can go abroad is the summer of your first year.
  • Students may fulfill General Education Foundation and Issues requirements abroad
  • Students taking at least 3 credits abroad will fulfill their Global Perspectives requirement
  • Students must take ENS 201 and ENS 401 at GVSU.
  • ENS majors might consider taking courses abroad that contribute to their Focus Area, expand Technical Skills, or fulfill Triple Bottom Line Overview requirements. ENS faculty encourages ENS majors and minors to participate in programs that include field work and community engagement. Internships, independent research, volunteering, as well as student involvement in faculty-led research are also encouraged.
  • ENS students are strongly encouraged to meet with their faculty advisors while planning their study abroad so that we can assist you in thinking through how your program can meet various degree requirements.
  • Students may take courses that satisfy some requirements in Environmental and Sustainability Studies for the General Education program. Be sure to begin planning at least six months in advance.

To determine the GVSU course equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please visit our Course Approval page. 

Once you have selected a program, schedule a meeting with your academic advisor to discuss your plans.

Academic Advice

Scholarship Opportunities

Paul A. '72 & Janet M. (Nickless) '71 Royce PATHWAY Scholarship

Global Programs Scholarship

Padnos International Center Mark A & Elizabeth C. Murray Study Abroad Scholarship

Apply for these scholarships: myScholarships 

Explore more scholarship opportunities through our Scholarship Page.

Scholarships

Department Contact

Amy McFarland

324 Lake Ontario Hall

[email protected]



Page last modified January 7, 2026