Sustainability & Education Abroad

ISO Sustainability Plan

The ISO is committed to incorporating sustainability into each aspect of its work, from how the office functions, to events, to education abroad programming, and preparation of students for travel.

The International Studies Office completed its first Sustainability Plan in February 2020, in cooperation with the UVA Sustainability Office and in alignment with the very exciting and ambitious UVA Sustainability Plan.

Learn more about the ISO’s sustainability initiatives.

Increase the awareness of education abroad students, faculty, and staff of the impact of their travel abroad, including the carbon footprint of their travel and time abroad
Include flight emissions information on education abroad program student budget sheets
Help mitigate (reduce) the impact of carbon emissions from air travel for education abroad programs managed by the ISO through the tree planting program with the High Atlas Foundation
Help mitigate (reduce) the impact of carbon emissions associated with ISO staff travel through the tree planting program with the High Atlas Foundation
Encourage Education Abroad Faculty Program Directors, instructors, and staff to review our resources on developing sustainable education abroad programs, the U.N. Sustainability Goals, and advancing the U.N. Sustainability Goals
Complete UVA’s Green Workplace Program
Host zero-waste and carbon neutral events per the guidelines of the the UVA Sustainability Office.
Prioritize sustainable accommodation options where possible and cost-effective when making lodging arrangements for education abroad programs
Integrate sustainability across operations and programs and expand resources available for students, faculty, and staff
Develop and expand existing partnership with UVA’s Office of Sustainability

The ISO Carbon Footprint Awareness and Mitigation Program

The International Studies Office purchases carbon credits for air travel associated with all ISO managed education abroad programs. The credits support the planting and cultivation of much needed fruit and nut trees in Morocco. The trees not only process carbon dioxide but are also a source of nutrition and income for host communities and contribute to environmental restoration and community development. The credits purchased do not offset the carbon associated with the air travel, but they do help lessen the environmental impact of the carbon and support projects which yield substantive economic, social, and environmental benefits for the communities which plant and cultivate the tress. The tree planting projects are helping communities reclaim degraded landscapes in some cases and in other cases utilize previously fallow land.

Carbon Footprint Awareness and Mitigation Program Partner

The ISO collaborates with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) in Morocco. Between the summer of 2021 when student travel for education abroad resumed and November 2023, HAF and local community partners have planted 73,000 fruit trees (almond, Argan, carob, cherry, fig, lemon, olive, pomegranate, and walnut) involving 366 farmers across Morocco. Another another 39,000 tress are scheduled for planting. HAF and their local community partners monitor and care for these trees, even as they plant more trees each year as part of the carbon footprint awareness and mitigation program. The average one-year survival rate of the trees planted thus far is just over 80%.

UVA students have a unique opportunity to see the carbon footprint awareness and mitigation program on the ground while studying abroad and interning with HAF as part of the UVA in Morocco: Participatory Development in Practice summer education abroad program. HAF's President in a recent Carbon Offset report shared, “In the rich tapestry of international collaboration, UVA students serve as conduits of knowledge, compassion, and cross-cultural understanding. Their experiences illuminate the interconnectedness of our world and reaffirm the importance of fostering sustainable practices, promoting community well-being, and nurturing a generation of global citizens poised to shape a more harmonious and equitable future.”

What are carbon credits?

The choices we make daily impact the environment. When we drive, shop, charge our phones, and use air conditioning, we contribute to the production of greenhouse gases; when we measure this, we call it a carbon footprint. There are many things we can do to decrease our carbon footprint like eating locally sourced food, walking instead of driving, taking a direct flight when traveling, etc. In addition to making lifestyle changes, one way to decrease our carbon footprint is to purchase carbon credits. Carbon credits fund projects that help reduce the impact of the greenhouse gases we produce or reduce the production of such gases. Examples of carbon credits include renewable energy projects (wind, solar) and tree-planting. The carbon credits purchased for the ISO's Carbon Footprint and Awareness Program are used to support the planting of fruit and nut tress by HAF.

Do I have to do anything to purchase a carbon credit?

The ISO purchases carbon credits for air travel for all education abroad programs administered and managed directly by the ISO. This means that if you participate in an ISO-administered program abroad, the ISO calculates the cost of the credits for flights related to the program and purchases the credits for your travel. The number of credits varies among the education abroad programs because of the diversity of program sites. A program in South Africa requires more credits than a program in Mexico City.

You can find the estimated carbon footprint of the flights associated with each UVA program on the program budget page. This is provided as an FYI to help travelers be more mindful of the environmental impact of their choices and what they can do to mitigate the effects of their actions.

If you are participating in a program administered through an outside provider (i.e. CIEE, IES, SIT, etc.), one of the graduate schools, on an exchange program, McIntire Semester Abroad, or undertaking independent travel abroad, we encourage you to consider the carbon footprint of your travel, ways to minimize it, and steps you might take to lessen its impact. Some airlines offer the ability to purchase credits when you book your ticket. Some outside program providers (including FIE) credit student travel for selected programs. None of these options completely "offsets" the greenhouse gases associated with travel.

Study Sustainability Abroad

Selected programs and providers that include a focus on sustainability.

UVA Programs

Outside programs

Outside Providers

Sustainable Travel

There are many things you can do to make your travels more sustainable, from knowing what to pack to choosing what to eat and drink, to knowing how to recycle in your host community. Take a look at our While Abroad page for tips and resources to help you get started with your sustainable travel journey!

Interested in learning about sustainability norms, practices, and strategies in different parts of the world? Watch the Sustainability Abroad Earth Week 2021 panel discussion with faculty from UVA and William & Mary.

Be a Part of the Global Effort

All around the world, governments, companies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals like you are making everyday sustainable choices and working toward sustainability goals that will help preserve our world ecosystem for generations to come. Learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and join the movement!