Global Food Sustainability Scholars
As a GFX Global Food Sustainability Scholar, you will develop systems thinking skills to address challenges in local and international food systems.
Curious to learn more? Read our blog from the January 2026 education abroad program!
Program Information
Through hands-on activities, real-world projects, and a faculty-led study abroad program, students will learn how engineering engages with local community and global food needs, supply chains, and sustainability. Students will analyze how cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors impact food sustainability from production through waste reduction.
By participating in this program, you are agreeing to travel during winter break.
Program Dates & Fees
There is a program fee that includes round-trip airfare from Chicago, ground transportation, lodging, meals, international insurance, and in-country programming. Many scholarship opportunities are available; GFX and International Programs in Engineering (IPENG) will help students understand these opportunities and requirements of competitive scholarship applications in August 2026. Students with financial need or other questions should contact IPENG at ipeng@illinois.edu.
Estimated program cost: $5700 subject to price fluctuations. Full details about program costs and scholarship opportunities will be communicated to GFX Global Food Sustainability Scholars by the start of August 2026.
January 2027 program dates will be shared in August 2026.
Past program dates: January 7-17, 2026
Fall Semester (1 credit hour)
Take a course to learn about sustainability in the food supply chain from production to consumption. You'll also prepare to study abroad through an introduction to Ecuador's history, culture, people, and environment.
Winter Break Study Abroad
Travel to Ecuador for several days of experiential learning and service. You'll learn about local food sustainability practices, work on community projects, engage with Ecuadoran culture, and more!
Spring Semester (1 credit hour)
Take a course to explore campus and Champaign-Urbana food systems, waste reduction and re-purpose strategies, and engineering innovations in new foods and sustainability. You'll develop teamwork and design thinking skills by collaborating on a campus food sustainability project. There will be at least one site visit to a local food production lab or farm.