Climate change impacts the entire world—human & non-human nature alike—although its severity is not distributed equally. The imperial, colonial, and capitalist legacies of the Global North’s exploitation of the Global South disproportionately arcs climate change’s harshest realities towards vulnerable communities in the Global South.
Are you ready to take a stance against harmful environmental policies and exploitation?
Fortunately, there is still hope for collective action that can change the course and impact of climate change globally. If you are wondering how to study climate change abroad, there are many programs abroad that offer different perspectives of climate change through the lens of different regions, thought leaders, and methodologies for combating climate change.
If you find yourself moved to be part of changing the global priorities that result in climate change, there’s good news: Study abroad, international internships, gap years, and other programs abroad offer pathways for developing new perspectives, cultivating global/local networks, and learning about regenerative practices.
Whether you are studying to become an environmentalist, a scientist, an activist, or a policy maker, there are climate change programs abroad that will expand your capacity to be part of the solution.
Climate conscious tip for how to study climate change abroad: Look for opportunities that center Indigenous wisdom, have low carbon footprints, embrace regenerative practices, integrate decolonial frameworks, and/or have lower-impact travel and transportation requirements.
8 climate change programs abroad
1. Climate Change: The Politics of Land, Water & Energy Justice
- Highlights: Through this cross-cultural, comparative climate change study abroad program, you will learn about the social impacts of climate change in four different countries through the lens of the political economics of water, energy, and food. By living in homestays in each location, you will be integrated within local cultures and languages, with opportunities to visit urban and rural sites. This program is not for the faint of heart—it will challenge your understanding of the world, and will help you determine your place within it.
- Program type: Study Abroad
- Where? San Francisco, USA; Rabat, Morocco; Kathmandu, Nepal; Cusco, Peru
- Read SIT reviews
2. India Semester: The Front Lines of Climate Change
- Highlights: This program brings you to the source to learn about the impact of climate change across landscapes and cultures in India. From the high peaks of the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal, you will get to experience it all. Go beyond the typical tourist experience by staying with two different host families, participating in a trek to a Buddhist Monastery, and learning Hindi through intensive lessons and some Ladakhi phrases. Your world will flip upside down, and settle into a more beautiful view.
- Program type: Gap Year
- Where? Agra, Delhi, and Rishikesh, India
- Read Where There Be Dragons reviews
3. MSc Natural Resource and Environmental Management
- Highlights: With a focus on sustainable development, this constantly evolving Masters in Science program offers relevant learning opportunities to address the demands of the impact of climate change on the environment, particularly focused on small islands and countries impacted by colonial empires. You will learn in various capacities, including workshops, field trips, seminars focused on hands-on experience, guest lectures, and negotiations.
- Program type: Degree Abroad
- Where? Bridgetown, Barbados
- Learn more about the University of the West Indies Cave Hill
4. Climate Change Internship in Vietnam
- Highlights: Are you ready to share your knowledge of environmental science, climate change, and sustainable management of forests with communities in Vietnam? This program connects you with nonprofits, social enterprises, and NGOs who are actively involved in environmental projects and educational efforts in Vietnam. You have the option to stay with a local host family, which increases your integration into the local customs, language, and community.
- Program type: Internship Abroad
- Where? Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Read Kaya Responsible Travel reviews
5. Environmental Conservation in the United States
- Highlights: The United States is both a major contributor to climate change, as well as impacted by its ills. Volunteering in New Orleans or Puerto Rico will allow you to contribute to critical projects aiding in the current and future impact on the environment. You will have the opportunity to work with and learn from people committed to sustainability. This program connects volunteers with local organizations who need support on their on-going efforts to combat the impacts of climate change.
- Program type: Volunteer Abroad
- Where? Old San Juan, Puerto Rico; New Orleans, USA
- Read Love Volunteers reviews
6. Harvard C-CHANGE Youth Summit on Climate, Equity, & Health
- Highlights: Are you looking to get involved in the climate change conversation before heading off to college? Connect with other young folks committed to addressing climate change. This youth summit operates at the intersection of Putney Pre-College, the Harvard Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment (C-CHANGE), and is hosted in Boston, Massachusetts. You will have the opportunity to learn from scientists, activists, innovators, policymakers, and health practitioners. You will create a community action plan that you can implement within your home community.
- Program type: High School Abroad
- Where? Boston, USA
- Read Putney Student Travel reviews
7. DIS Copenhagen – Sustainability
- Highlights: If you are studying public policy, sustainability, food science, or environmental studies, this may be the study abroad program for you! This program offers a European perspective on climate change and its impact on the environment. Copenhagen serves as an exciting host city due to its commitment to sustainability—with efforts to become carbon-neutral by 2025, divesting from fossil fuels by 2050, and turning 50% of Danish electricity usage into wind power by 2030. Hop on your bike and ride through town like a local as you learn from experts in the field alongside like-minded peers.
- Program type: Study Abroad
- Where? Copenhagen, Denmark
- Read DIS - Study Abroad reviews
8. CIEE: Climate Change Mitigation
- Highlights: Through this immersive program, you will have the opportunity to live amongst wildlife, forests, and farms—a true glimpse into the places most impacted by climate change. Learn from local activists and professionals about the impacts of climate change and effective mitigation strategies. With a focus on all three legs of the “sustainability stool”—society, the environment, and the economy—you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the holistic impacts of climate change. Your efforts will culminate in an original project, with space to envision your future career path.
- Program type: High School Abroad
- Where? Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Read CIEE reviews
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Environmentalists and humanitarians will thrive in climate change programs abroad
This is your first step toward making a difference.
Climate change is happening, and your intentions and efforts to learn about mitigation efforts, sustainability, and conservation are important. The impact of your time abroad expands when you share your learning when you get home through integrating your lessons, plans, and newly acquired skills into your local community.
Whether you pursue a degree abroad, take a gap year, or study abroad for a semester, be sure to to open your heart and mind to the local communities who welcome you—the wisdom, lived experience, and expertise they share will be invaluable to your learning. Lean in, leave your assumptions behind, and let yourself be surprised. These programs have the power to change you and the rest of the world!
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