ISU Sustainable City Tours
First-hand global experiences to see sustainability in action!
Mission
The ISU Sustainable City Tour is a registered student organization sponsored by the Office of Sustainability. This program 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.
Upcoming Tours
New York City Climate Week
September 22-28, 2024
Climate Week NYC is the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together over 500 events and activities across New York City. Students will have the opportunity to interact and learn from business leaders, political change makers, local decision-makers, and civil society representatives from all over the world who are gathering to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change. In addition to participating in events throughout Climate Week, students will visit several sustainable companies & organizations, and have opportunities to take in some of New York City’s most iconic sights.
Climate Week NYC is hosted by Climate Group, an international non-profit whose purpose is to drive climate action, fast. Climate Group hosts the official program during the week that brings together the most senior international figures from business, government, civil society , and the climate sector. The event takes place every year in partnership with the United Nations General Assembly and is run in coordination with the United Nations and the City of New York. Click here to learn more about Climate Week NYC.
Registration
Registration & Deposit Due: May 10, 2024
12 student max.
Quito, Ecuador + Galapagos Islands
January 3-12, 2025
This unique journey combines immersive experiences in sustainable practices with the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
In Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, students will witness firsthand the efforts towards sustainability, including initiatives for waste management, renewable energy, and urban green spaces. They will explore eco-friendly transportation options such as biking or electric buses and learn about community-led conservation projects.
Next, we travel to the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity. Here, students will engage in eco-friendly activities like snorkeling, hiking, and wildlife observation under the guidance of local naturalists. They will gain a deep appreciation for the delicate balance of ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species like the Galapagos tortoise and marine iguanas.
Throughout the tour, students will have the opportunity to interact with local communities, learning about their traditional lifestyles and sustainable practices. They may participate in community-led projects aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism.
Registration
Registration & Deposit Due: September 6, 2024
12 student max.
Student Involvement
Prior to each 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 the tour as time allows, 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.
Trip Leaders
Leader Requirements and Expectations
- 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.
Trip Leader Application
NYC Climate Week Trip Leader Application Due May 10, 2024