Global Sustainability Scholars
As a GFX Global Sustainability Scholar, you will develop an important global perspective on sustainability and engineering.
Program Information
As a GFX Global Sustainability Scholar, you will learn how to consider environmental sustainability in engineering design and daily life to develop a lifetime sustainability mindset!
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, 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: $5200 subject to price fluctuations. Full details about program costs and scholarship opportunities will be communicated to GFX Global Sustainability Scholars by the start of August 2026.
March 2027 program dates will be shared in October 2026.
Past program dates: March 14-22, 2026
Fall Semester (1 credit hour)
Take a course to learn about environmental sustainability! You'll also prepare for studying abroad through an introduction to the history, culture, people, and environment of the TBA country in South America.
Winter Break Study Abroad
Travel to a TBA country in South America for several days of experiential learning and service. You'll explore sustainability, work on projects with local NGOs, tour the country, and more!
Spring Semester (1 credit hour)
Take a course in which you will work as a "consulting engineer" on a project with iSEE (Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment) and Facilities and Services to enact a sustainability effort on campus.