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Education Abroad

Sustainability Actions

Education Abroad not only impacts students but also hosts cities, families, communities, and enrollment. From carbon emissions to single-use plastics, to what we buy, the choices we make can have positive or negative consequences for our home and host communities. Learn how Education Abroad is working to promote sustainable practices.

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Education and Training

 

 

 

Program Changes

  • Require a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal focus for all faculty-directed programs.

  • Initiated sustainability conversations and metrics with affiliate partners and host institutions.
  • Prioritizing sustainability curriculum and program logistics during new program proposal and development stages.

Changes

 

 

 

EA-Stay-Local

Stay Local Weekends

  • Developed Sustainability Scholars program to award scholarships to students who take the Stay Local pledge for one or both Stay Local weekends. Launched the Stay Local initiative in spring 2025.
  • Two specific weekends where semester-long education abroad student participants pledge to remain in their host city and avoid hosting friends and family from other cities.
  • Educational opportunities and community engagement activities focusing on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals available to students who take the pledge.
  • For the inaugural spring 2025 semester, students who take the Stay Local pledge will be entered to win $100 (10 available prizes).
  • We encourage all students to consider less carbon-intensive travel options during weekends and semester breaks.
  • Learn more about Stay Localand how we engage with our partners.
  • Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall, 2025, and Academic year 2025-26 students, take the pledge!

Funding and Resources

  • Tied college education abroad scholarships to programs that include one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. 
  • Sustainability Scholars receive grants for their Stay Local pledge commitment.
  • Stay Local/Big Impact Small Footprint participants are entered to win mini grants.

Funding

 

 

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Events and Marketing

  • Committed to "paper-light" or "paper-free" in-person events.
  • Reduced t-shirt and giveaway promotional items.
  • Select vendors of branded items based on sustainability criteria.
  • Reduced plastic packaging and shipping distances on promotional items.
  • Prioritize local and sustainable vendors.

  • Offer vegetarian and vegan options only at events.

  • Include event volunteers to assist with recycling and composting at events.
  • Enhance virtual events and online resources.

 

Partnerships

  • Work with MSU Sustainability Advisory Committee
  • Collaborate with MSU Geography and Sustainable Major, other academic units, and program directors
  • The Forum on Education Abroad (member institution)
  • NAFSA Association for International Educators (member institution)
  • CANIE Climate Action Network for International Educations (individual staff members can join)

 

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