Sustainability Statement
NGLT recognizes that travel has a complicated relationship with sustainability, and yet travel remains an important way to better understand the world(1). Sustainability needs to be a holistic concept that is integrated into every aspect of developing a Global Perspective. Sustainability refers to green economics (including but not limited to traditional environmentalism), cultural and civic engagement and responsibility, ecological conscience, and good governance(2).
The experience of International Travel, Study Abroad, and International Internships is itself the classroom. Students should consider the implications of travel on their own civic engagement, the impacts of travel on the cultures and countries they visit, and steps they may take to mitigate impact on the environment. Programs that reflect values of global citizenry—social and personal equity, pro-environmental behaviors, and civic obligations–should be foremost when selecting an experience.
Consider the following when choosing to study abroad:
- Cultural and Civic Engagement Does your travel include the goal of respectfully learning about new cultures and ways of life? What impact does your travel have on local culture? How can your study abroad experience influence engagement in your home society?
- Green Economics Are there things you can do while traveling that encourage the profitable use of green technologies while fostering environmental wellbeing and local economic growth?
- Ecological Conscience Are you taking steps, both in everyday life and during travel, to adjust your behaviors to ensure the environment and its resources are not destroyed?
- Good Governance Does the host country foster concepts such as free and fair elections, gender equality, human rights and justice?
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(1) Statement paraphrased from an article by Nathan Lump in National Geographic, September 2023.
(2) Tarrant, Michael A., Donald L. Rubin, and Lee Stoner. “The Effects of Studying Abroad and Studying Sustainability on Students’ Global Perspectives.” Frontiers, Volume XXVI, Fall 2015. Page 70.
Our Mission
“To provide opportunities for students and faculty from all the participating community colleges to engage in joint global activities.”
Our Mission
“To provide opportunities for students and faculty from all the participating community colleges to engage in joint global activities.”
NGLT recognizes that travel has a complicated relationship with sustainability, and yet travel remains an important way to better understand the world(1). Sustainability needs to be a holistic concept that is integrated into every aspect of developing a Global Perspective. Sustainability refers to green economics (including but not limited to traditional environmentalism), cultural and civic engagement and responsibility, ecological conscience, and good governance(2).
The experience of International Travel, Study Abroad, and International Internships is itself the classroom. Students should consider the implications of travel on their own civic engagement, the impacts of travel on the cultures and countries they visit, and steps they may take to mitigate impact on the environment. Programs that reflect values of global citizenry—social and personal equity, pro-environmental behaviors, and civic obligations–should be foremost when selecting an experience.
Consider the following when choosing to study abroad:
- Cultural and Civic Engagement Does your travel include the goal of respectfully learning about new cultures and ways of life? What impact does your travel have on local culture? How can your study abroad experience influence engagement in your home society?
Green Economics Are there things you can do while traveling that encourage the profitable use of green technologies while fostering environmental wellbeing and local economic growth?
Ecological Conscience Are you taking steps, both in everyday life and during travel, to adjust your behaviors to ensure the environment and its resources are not destroyed?
Good Governance Does the host country foster concepts such as free and fair elections, gender equality, human rights and justice?
——–
(1) Statement paraphrased from an article by Nathan Lump in National Geographic, September 2023.
(2) Tarrant, Michael A., Donald L. Rubin, and Lee Stoner. “The Effects of Studying Abroad and Studying Sustainability on Students’ Global Perspectives.” Frontiers, Volume XXVI, Fall 2015. Page 70.
