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Learning Abroad

While studying sustainability in Austria, students tour a biomass energy plant, visit the solar city of Linz and see firsthand the change of the Grossglockner Glacier by mapping its movement using geographic information systems (GIS).

The GIS allows the class to “see” where the glacier was 100 years ago, and even project its retreat over the next few decades until it will be no more, according to Tim Krantz, an environmental studies professor who led the class.

Students also learn how the Austrian government is promoting sustainability through recycling programs, farm practices and public transportation alternatives.

On the other side of the globe, environmental studies professor Monty Hempel takes students on an annual trip to Palau – an island nation in the Pacific famous for its scuba diving – to study the impact of development and globalization on its fragile ecosystem.

"It's really cool because the president has taken a pledge to make the school more sustainable and this class is leading the way in getting sustainability in action."

-McKenzie Jones '09, Environmental Design Studio student