Experiential Learning in Sustainable Development Through a Short-Term International Experience Chapter in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is relevant to achieve global sustainability. The need to resolve shared global challenges systemically, collaboratively, equitably, culturally, sensitively, and naturally links ESD and internationalization. Educational travel programs comprise one internationalization strategy that leverages experiential learning that is distant from campuses, often abroad. This research involved designing a one-week international experience course in a country where sustainability actions are well recognized and implemented to foster students¿ development of competencies in sustainability. The course, available to all engineering students, was piloted on two different occasions during the spring semester. The results show that the students perceived an increased knowledge or understanding of sustainability, especially in technical, economic, and environmental dimensions. Notably, however, social issues impacted the students the least. Also, in both groups studied, the participants identified being increasingly motivated to incorporate sustainability into future professional practice. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.

publication date

  • January 1, 2025