Arizona State University
AC-5: Immersive Experience

Arizona State University has offered a number of sustainability-focused immersive experiences over the past three years. Just over the past year, the following immersive experiences offered through the School of Sustainability, the Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives Global Sustainability Studies Program, and other units at ASU have provided students the opportunity to witness and learn in-depth about sustainability challenges and solutions:

1. Hawaii – Promise & Challenge of Renewable Energy, one week program
This program is intended to give students an in-depth look at building a functional sustainable energy system in a particular setting. The state of Hawaii has recently set a goal of developing a 100% renewable energy grid by 2030. This goal will make Hawaii a real-world laboratory for developing a sustainable energy system in an island setting. Students will visit and engage with energy stakeholders in Hawaii and evaluate Hawaii’s energy resources and energy policy options.

2. Hong Kong - Urban Sustainability in Hong Kong, two week program
Learn how Hong Kong, a complex, densely populated, world-class city, is addressing sustainability challenges. Students will go on field trips to the “front lines” of sustainability problems and solutions, interact with Hong Kong leaders and sustainability practitioners, and discuss Hong Kong’s sustainability policies with scholars. ASU students will work in small, cross-cultural teams with Hong Kong and Mainland Chinese students from the City University of Hong Kong to analyze, develop and present public policy recommendations that can resolve sustainability challenges.

3. China and Nepal - Innovation in Green Growth, three week program
Given the environmental and socio-economic realities of the 21st century, business-as-usual strategy for growth has not proven to be the optimal path. This realization has prompted calls for a new green industrial revolution, transition to a low-carbon economy or for a more radical restructuring of growth, and a greater emphasis on green technology focused on societal well-being. This program invites students to participate in workshops with student peers from India and China and learn more about green growth.

4. South Africa - Sustainability Challenges of the Wildlife Economy, two week program
This unique program immersed students in the social/cultural, environmental, and economic challenges facing South Africa with its legacies of colonialism and Apartheid, and with the 1994 ratification of one of the world’s most progressive constitutions. Students focused on the social/cultural, environmental, and economic conflicts, and opportunities, in and around Kruger National Park associated with the government’s Wildlife Economy policies.

5. Italy – Comparative Sustainable Farming Cultures, four week program
Students complete a comparative analysis of a small-scale, sustainable farm in Phoenix and in San Severino, Italy. The course includes a farm practicum.

There are also additional sustainability-related study abroad programs offered to ASU students that can be found through the ASU Study Abroad Office (https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu/).

Additional immersive experiences offered over the past three years include:
The Global Resolve Program (https://barretthonors.asu.edu/globalresolve)
A social entrepreneurship program designed to enhance the educational experience for interested and qualified ASU students by involving them in semester-long projects through courses that directly improve the lives of underprivileged people, and/or those in under-developed nations throughout the world.

The School of Sustainability Internship Program (https://schoolofsustainability.asu.edu/student-life/sustainability-internships-opportunities/)
Students majoring in sustainability have access to a full-time Internship Coordinator and a list of internship opportunities in sustainability. The internship program allows students to take the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom and apply them in a work setting. Internships offer students the opportunity to learn from professionals and explore potential career options. At the School of Sustainability, internships for credit are combined with academic coursework that encourages critical reflection on the internship experience.

The School of Sustainability Frasier Global Mentorship Program (https://schoolofsustainability.asu.edu/frasier-global-mentorship-program/)
An immersive, high–impact experience that fosters global perspective and a broader context of sustainability while learning about career paths in the field of sustainability.

For see the "Website URL where information about the institution’s immersive education programs is available" select the “Student Life” section in the drop-down menu.