In order to understand the dynamics of globalization and the interconnectedness of our social and natural systems, students are encouraged to venture out of the classroom to experience and research these issues in the field. The Global Fellows in Sustainable Development Program enables The Earth Institute, Columbia University, through a generous gift, to support field research for current Columbia University undergraduates studying sustainable development, either in the special concentration or the major. These experiential opportunities will provide students with an opportunity to hone skills and explore questions raised in the classroom. The experiential learning piece of the curriculum provides an opportunity for student research and contextual application of classroom education.

The grant supports this experiential learning piece so as to provide an opportunity for students to undertake fieldwork, research assistantship or internship opportunities off campus but related to their sustainable development studies. This program will ensure that the challenges presented by globalization are not abstract ideas, and that students are able to gain practical experience in the critical areas of sustainable development they have studied.

Requirements

Funding will only be awarded for fieldwork explicitly related to a project that fulfills a requirement for your degree and/or furthers your studies in Sustainable Development. For example, travel can be for projects that are needed to complete studios, workshops, theses, senior seminar projects, independent studies or other degree requirements. SEE-U program fees and non-CU study abroad programs focused on field research and sustainable development are eligible for funding. It can also be used towards study abroad extracurricular research activities

Students must follow all application instructions and adhere to deadlines.

Only current, full-time CU students in the Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development who are in good academic standing will be considered.  Please note that applications will be reviewed based upon the relationship of the travel to your major or special concentration in sustainable development. Before submitting an application, students are required to review travel information and country-specific travel warnings as well as review health insurance information with the healthcare provider for their trip. Awardees will also be required to have adequate health insurance and travel insurance that covers MEDIVAC in the event that they need it.  Students will also be required to attend a pre-departure meeting at the Earth Institute and other relevant pre-departure orientations sponsored by Columbia to ensure they aware of the University’s guidelines for conduct in the field.

Successful applicants will be required to particpate in a presentation of their research in both a meeting with the donors but also the annual Earth Institute Students Research Showcase.