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 Study Abroad Programs

Academic Advice

• 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 take ENS 201 and 401 at GVSU, and 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.
• Students do not need to speak a foreign language in order to study in a country where English is not the official language.
• An internship abroad will not only give students experience and insights into their specific field of interest, but will help them develop desirable cross-cultural skills and competency.
• Consider fulfilling your Issues General Education requirement abroad.
• Find out how!

Restrictions

• Students must take ENS 201 and ENS 401 at GVSU.

Keep in Mind

• Once you have selected a program, be sure to meet with your adviser at least three months prior to departing for your program.
• Be sure to explore both GVSU and external options by browsing the Program Suggestions below. Students are not limited to GVSU study abroad programs.
• There are several opportunities to intern and or volunteer while abroad.
• Students are also able to fulfill General Education requirements abroad, including their General Education Issues requirement.

To determine the GVSU course equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please view the “How to Request Course Equivalencies” page. For more information email Department Contact below.

Amy McFarland
[email protected]
167 Lake Michigan Hall