University of Tennessee at Knoxville
AC-5: Immersive Experience

UTK Sustainable Energy Engineering in Ireland: The area of sustainable energy engineering is one of the most important subjects of study in the current environment. Many European countries have invested significant resources in energy technology using non-petroleum based resources such as sun, wind, ocean and geothermal. With about 15% of total energy needs being met by wind energy (compared to only 3.3% in the United States), Ireland has become one one of the leaders in wind energy technology. Students will receive credit for ME 472 Sustainable Energy Engineering. The course will cover a variety of sustainable energy technologies , but it will focus mostly on Solar and Wind technology. UTK CASNR Jamaica Study Tour: The Jamaica study tour offers students an opportunity to see Jamaican agriculture and natural resources through the eyes of Jamaicans. Based at the University of the West Indies, Mona (Kingston) campus, the tour of agricultural and other economic enterprises will expose students to areas of the Jamaican agricultural sector including coffee, bananas, beef cattle, vegetables, poultry, the intricacies of beekeeping, and aquaculture. In each case, they will learn about production and marketing as well as the importance of each enterprise to the economy of Jamaica. So be prepared to wear jeans and boots, as flip-flops are only recommended during the beach portion of the program! Program co-director Dr. Smith in the Dept. of Animal Science was born and grew up in Jamaica, and has a special connection to the island and his former colleagues in Jamaica. Through this program, students will get the chance to understand Jamaican agriculture--and culture--in a way that an ordinary tourist could not. UTK Tropical Ecology, Conservation and Field Methods in Belize: This short-term study abroad course will example wildlife ecology, conservation, and field methods in the tropics. Students will have the opportunity to see new wildlife and ecosystems, experience different cultures, and explore wildlife and conservation issues in Belize. Upon completion of the course students will have developed the field skills necessary to conduct terrestrial natural resource ecology and conservation research in the tropics. UTK CASNR Thailand Study Tour: Issues on tropical agriculture, natural resource management, and rural development in the context of society and culture are explored. This program emphasizes experiential learning through field visits to agri-businesses, university and governmental research institutes,and places of historic and cultural interests and villages. UTK Waters and Civilizations in Dominican Republic: During this program, students learn to think critically about global issues related to fresh water availability, reflect on their own beliefs about water use and justice and learn to understand the relevant factors impacting surface waters and to appreciate the importance of everyday citizens and nonprofit organizations in protection of our precious water resources. SIT Study Abroad Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology: The program challenges students to reframe notions of sustainability in relation to local population needs, perspectives, and values. Through rigorous thematic coursework and hands-on experiential learning, students consider how natural resource management will benefit future generations in light of the current factors driving environmental degradation. Students explore the country’s diverse human and natural environments through seminars and field visits to nature reserves and conservation areas. SIT Atudy Abroad Tanzania-Zanzibar: Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management: his program utilizes Zanzibar’s unique ecological context to explore specific environmental topics, including coral reef conservation, tropical forest management, and resource management. Through thematic coursework and direct field experience, you will examine issues arising from the tense juxtaposition of seasonal population growth and economic development with conservation of the local environment. You will learn to reframe notions of ecological sustainability in relation to local population needs, perspectives, and values.