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Sustainability
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ISU Sustainable City Tours

First-hand global experiences to see sustainability in action!

Mission

The ISU Sustainable City Tour seeks to learn from the most sustainable and socially responsible cities and communities across the globe. An immersive tour of a chosen sustainable city occurs two to three times throughout the year during academic breaks. Students engage with local industries, organizations, companies, and governments. Service days such as beach clean-ups, assistance with waste audits, or participating in sustainable and/or Fair Trade farming are incorporated into each tour. Students practice sustainable travel by utilizing public and alternative transportation, packing minimally and with reusables, refusing single-use plastics, and eating local foods.

 

  • International Sustainable City Tour: Summer Break (late May or early June) 

    Possible city tours include: Zurich, Singapore, Berlin, Copenhagen, Tokyo, Paris

  • International Sustainable City Tour: Winter Break (late December or early January) 

    Possible city tours include; Reykjavik, Lisbon, various cities in Central and/or South America

Upcoming Tours

Travel to Peru Graphic

Peru Unfiltered: Exploring Water, Culture, and  Sustainability

December 13 - 22, 2025

Enrollment Deadline: October 10, 2025

INFORMATIONAL ZOOM MEETING: August 28, 6:00 pm.          Join here

We're teaming up with The GREEN Program for an unforgettable Sustainable City Tour in Peru! This immersive, hands-on experience is perfect for students passionate about sustainability and global impact. It's a powerful resume-builder, networking opportunity, and a chance to learn far beyond the classroom.

Apply Now!

What You’ll Experience:

  • Dive into sustainable water management through real-world projects, site visits, and community collaboration.
  • Explore indigenous and contemporary methods of water resource management in Peru.
  • Investigate water challenges and solutions in action—visit Cusco’s most polluted river and its newest water treatment facility.
  • Check Machu Picchu off your bucket list and get behind-the-scenes access to hydroelectric plants powering the region.
  • Gain a global perspective on water stewardship, international policy, and environmental innovation.
  • Connect with a network of sustainability-minded peers, professionals, and for early internship opportunities.
  • Experience adventure! Enjoy white-water rafting and zip-lining in Peru’s stunning natural landscapes.

*Please note: While the program does not count for academic credit at ISU, participants will receive 3 credits from Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola. More importantly, the experience offers a different kind of credit—hands-on learning, global perspective, professional connections, professional development, and standout additions to your resume that go far beyond the classroom!

Itinerary: 

  • 10 days, 9 nights in Cusco, Peru
  • Machu Pichu Hydroelectric Power Plant Visit
  • Inca Empire Agrictultral Sites
  • Visit Cusco's Water Mangement Govermental Project and Wastewater Treatment Facility 
  • Classes on topics of Water Consumpition, Management, Hydrology and Watershed
  • Community Service Activities

Additional Activities:

  • Swim in Natural Hot Springs
  • Visit Peruvian Artisan Markets
  • River Rafting Excursion
  • Salsa Dancing Lessons

Learn More

Costs

Those participating in a Sustainable City Tour are required to pay fees to fund their trip. Costs can vary widely per location. 

Winter Break 2025: Peru 

Trip Cost: $4,200 ($500 Deposit due October 18, 2025 to the Green Program)

  • Included in above cost:

    • Round Trip Airfare from O'Hare International Airport (covered by Sustainability Grant)
    • Lodging
    • All in-country transportation
    • All meals
    • Tours & entrance fees to planned activities

  • Independent Additional costs:

    • Mandatory ISU International Health Insurance ($18)
    • Passport
    • Additional Luggage fees
    • Additional meals or "extra" activities
    • Personal Expenses/Souvenirs

       

Apply Now!

Scholarships may be available. See the Scholarship section of the Green Program website for more information. 

Student Involvement

Prior to each Sustainable City Tour, students must attend two informational meetings in preparation for travel. These meetings are an opportunity for the students to meet each other and share their own ideas or thoughts on locations they may like to visit. Culture, history, geography, and current sustainable practices in the city being visited are researched and covered during these meetings.

During most tours, reflections are led by the student trip leader with prepared questions and thoughts from the day to encourage discussion and hear from diverse perspectives. These discussons also provide an opportunity for the students to brainstorm the challenges or path to future sustainable development in their own community.

  • Students must be in good academic standing (3.0 GPA) attend all planned activities, meetings, and events during the tour. Aside from illness, there are no excused absences. If a student is non-compliant, they will be required to depart at their own expense.

  • Participants will be required to follow all site and/or University requirements including but not limited to those related to COVID 19 or other vaccinations required for international travel. For more information, visit: https://www.who.int/travel-advice/vaccines

  • Travelers must have a passport at least 2 months prior to trip departure in case travel visas need to be acquired. Passport fees are not included. Passport processing times are 9-12 weeks. If you do not currently have a valid passport, please apply immediately. For more information, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/how-apply/forms.html

  • It is expected that students attending a Sustainable City Tour program will pack and travel in a sustainable way. This includes packing lightly, reusable items, refusing single use plastic when possible, taking public transportation, etc. Sustainable travel advice will be provided at pre-trip meetings.

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Bikes in Amsterdam
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Trip Leaders

Leader Requirements and Expectations 

*The following does not apply to the Winter Break 2025 Peru Tour.

  • One Trip Leader will be appointed by the Office of Sustainability. Priority is given to those with sustainability involvement and experience across campus and within the community.
  • Trip Leaders are of at least junior standing.
  • Trip Leaders attend the tour at a 20% reduced rate and assist the Office of Sustainability staff with various needs including but not limited to: organizing company or organization tours, communicating to students, fielding questions, navigating public transportation while traveling, and leading the reflection meetings during the tour.
  • Assist with leading all pre-trip related meetings with participants
  • Practice regular communication via email with Office of Sustainability staff
  • Must be in good disciplinary and academic standing at all times during your trip leader experience. By submitting an application, you allow the Office of Sustainability staff to check disciplinary status and GPA.
  • Sustainable City Tour Trip Leaders are expected to uphold the expectations. If you cannot meet these commitments, you will not be eligible for a leadership position.

Failure to meet these expectations could lead to a loss of the Trip Leader discount or position.

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Trip Leader Application

*Not available for the Winter Break 2025 Peru Tour