Penn State Actions
education and training
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) information included on every education abroad program information page
Online pre-departure orientation for students includes sustainability section and conscientious travel tips
Penn State faculty leader sustainability workshops help program leaders incorporate the UN SDGs into their curriculum
Sponsoring staff and faculty to attend professional workshops hosted by experts
programmatic changes
Initiate conversations with partners and host institutions about sustainability
Prioritizing sustainability curriculum and program logistics during new program proposal and development stages
Incentivizing itinerary changes to mitigate environmental impact
Development of a sustainability-focused education abroad course open to all majors at all campuses
Stay Local Weeekends
Launched in spring 2023
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 UN Sustainable Development Goals available to students who take the pledge
For the inaugural spring 2023 semester, students who take the Stay Local pledge will be entered to win $100 (20 available prizes)
We encourage all students to consider less carbon-intensive travel options during weekends and semester breaks
Learn more about Stay Local and how we engage with our partners
Fall 2023 and Academic year 2023-24 students, take the pledge!
funding and resources
Sustainability scholars award for 10-15 study abroad students annually
Stay Local/Big Impact Small Footprint participants are entered to win mini grants
Faculty leader development grants for curricular and logistical updates to advance the UN SDGs
events and marketing
"Paper-light" or "paper-free" in-person events
Streamlined print materials that are appropriate for all events
No more event-specific t-shirts or giveaways
Conscientious selection of vendors for branded items
Reducing plastic packaging and shipping distances on promotional items
Prioritizing local and sustainable vendors for catering
Offering vegetarian and vegan options only at marquee events
Updated signage and volunteers to assist with recycling and composting at events
Enhanced virtual events and self-paced online resources
Partnerships
Work with Penn State Sustainability
Collaborate with Penn State academic units and faculty leaders
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)
awards and recognition
The Forum on Education Abroad: inaugural winner for "Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through Education Abroad" was Penn State Global (2022)
NAFSA Association for International Educators: best poster for "Incorporating Sustainability in All Areas of Education Abroad" (2022). Presenters: Ketja Lingenfelter and Kate Manni.
