Location:

Eilat, Israel

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Fall Semester, MayMester Intersession, Spring Break, Spring Semester, Summer, Winter Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

The International Sustainable Development Course is an intensive, experiential study abroad program for college students of all disciplines that empowers you to go beyond the status quo and use your knowledge, energy, education and passions to make the world a better place. The course focuses on the environmental, cultural, economic, and spiritual dimensions of creating healthy, just and viable communities. “The most important thing that I learned is that the solutions to many of our environmental and social problems already exist. We just need to do it!” –Josh The course utilizes a hybrid pedagogical framework that fuses online learning with hands-on service learning and cultural immersion to create transformative experiences for our students. It comprises of two online modules that bookmark the on-the-ground experience. The course is accredited by the Central Washington University. It provides variable credit (6 semester credits) based on the duration of the residential session. Credits are transferable to colleges and universities within the U.S. and internationally.

This university-accredited course provides theory and practical training in permaculture and ecological design, sustainable agriculture, natural building, renewable energy, and regenerative community development. The program is based on principles of green design and permaculture that are universally accepted as a shared framework for sustainable development. Upon completion of the program, students also receive an internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certification. Participants live what they learn on a day-to-day basis as a micro community in an eco campus – a prototype model for sustainable lifestyle.

Graduates of the course will be able to understand critical issues the world is facing in industries such as food production, water, energy, construction, waste management, health, plus develop leadership skills and become empowered to make meaningful contributions towards making the world more sustainable.

Setting Description:

Kibbutz Lotan is an oasis that lies amidst the beauty of the sun drenched Arava Valley in southern Israel. Here the continents of Europe, Asia and Africa converge, forming a natural land bridge that is traveled by hundreds of millions of migrating birds each year. Internationally recognized as a pioneer in sustainable development, the Center for Creative Ecology has developed and demonstrates permaculture design techniques in extreme desert conditions, natural building methods, local organic food systems, renewable energy, waste management and pursues coexistence outreach initiatives between different ethnic groups. The Center is part of a worldwide consortium including the Natural Builders Network, the Global Straw Bale Network, the Israel and International Permaculture Association, the Global Ecovillage Network and GAIA Education’s EcoVillage Design Education programs (affiliated with the United Nation’s Decade for Sustainable Education). Students live in geodesic Earth Domes in t

Cost:

Duration: 4 weeks (customizable add-ons optional) Fee: $2,950 (USD) includes tuition, field trips, room & board Academic Credit: 6 Semester Credits