Global Environmental Justice

Dates: July 19–August 9, 2026 (in-country travel)

Credits: 12 ECTS credits, ~ 6 U.S. credits

Cost: $7,950 USD

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University of FribourgFribourg, Switzerland

Our historic host.

Swiss ParliamentBern, Switzerland

Sessions with parliamentarians from the International Affairs Committee.

World Meteorological OrganizationGeneva, Switzerland

Meet with world-renowned climate scientists.

World Food ProgrammeRome, Italy

Learn about the intersection of climate change and food security.

Food and Agricultural OrganizationRome, Italy

Gain insider perspective with experts on climate change and food

Ecco Climate Think TankRome, Italy

Learn about the world of climate nonprofits.

Archeology tour & Capitoline MuseumRome, Italy

When in Rome… live Rome!

Jungfraujoch & Aletsch GlacierAletschgletscher, Switzerland

Reflect on your academic journey atop a Swiss glacier.

Climate Change in Action

Earn 12 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits—typically 6 U.S. credits—while tackling today’s most urgent global challenge: climate change. This academically rigorous program blends coursework with experiential learning, ensuring your credits are both transferable and respected worldwide.

You’ll meet climate experts, policymakers, and practitioners during exclusive sessions at the World Meteorological Organization and Food and Agricultural Organization—and attend a lecture atop the UNESCO-recognized Aletsch Glacier. These behind-the-scenes experiences offer a rare look at how international organizations shape the world’s response to global warming.

Throughout the program, you’ll critically examine strategies to address climate change, explore career opportunities in fields like conservation, food security, and policy, and gain first-hand perspective while traveling across Switzerland and Italy.

Designed for students in environmental studies, international relations, political science, or sustainability, the program is equally valuable for those pursuing degrees in public policy, agriculture, food security, or international law—anyone eager to apply academic study to real-world environmental and humanitarian challenges.

Not sure if this program fits your major? Bring our sample syllabus to your study abroad office for review and credit transfer approval.

Confront Climate Change with Experts at the UN and on Switzerland’s Aletsch Glacier.

Apply Now Attend an Information Session

Base Schedule

June 29–July 18

Pre-Travel Study

Complete assigned readings, essays, hot takes, and other preparatory coursework to build a strong foundation before departure.

July 19 - August 9, 2026

In-Country Program

Immersive study abroad in Switzerland and Rome, combining accredited coursework with site visits, lectures, and cultural experiences. Site visits include the United Nations, the World Meteorological Organization, the Swiss Parliament, the World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. Evenings and weekends are free for homework and independent exploration.

August 10 - 24, 2026

Capstone Policy Paper

Synthesize your learning into a final policy paper, providing a tangible academic product and portfolio piece.

Student Testimonials

These three weeks were life-changing. The views in Switzerland were stunning, but what truly stayed with me was how much I learned—and how it reignited my love of learning. This program helped me find my path and the confidence to pursue it. I won't say it was easy, but it was absolutely worth it—an unforgettable academic and personal turning point.

My experience in the International Security Study Abroad in Fribourg, Switzerland was unforgettable. Traveling Europe in a scholarly group, visiting NATO and the UN, was a blessing I’ll always be grateful for. Aside from the academics, exploring Europe both with my program group and on my free time is a walk through history, culture, and a timeless, immeasurable feeling of wonder.

The ISSP 25’ program was such an important experience for me, both academically and personally. The class content and your lectures (yes, even the bus ones) shaped the way I think about international security. That experience—and our private conversations—gave me a unique perspective that helped me earn a position with the Congressional Research Service supporting analysts on NATO defense spending.

The Global Environmental Justice Program was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I met amazing people, explored incredible cities, and spoke with experts at the UN and other international organizations. I came home more confident, focused, and ready for my post-grad career.

Participating in the International Security Studies Program in Switzerland was an amazing experience that helped me further my understanding of important economic, political, humanitarian, and security organizations in the context of international security issues. [It] helped me acquire a government internship with a focus on international organizations such as NATO! I highly recommend this unique program.

My time in Switzerland fundamentally changed my life. Not only is it an excellent resume builder . . . it steered me toward a career I love. Not in small part because of this experience, I ended up in my dream role with the U.S. federal government. I recommend this trip to anyone I meet who is even vaguely considering a career in government or international relations. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.

My time in the International Security Studies and Global Environmental Justice programs at the Fribourg Institute was the highlight of my college education! They offer a unique opportunity to learn from the diplomats, politicians, and activists who are writing the next chapter of our world’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this program help me find a job after graduation?
While no program can promise employment, many alumni say their experience with the Fribourg Institute opened doors to internships, graduate programs, and first jobs. The knowledge, skills, and global perspective you gain abroad set you apart in competitive fields.
How does the program prepare me for my career?
You’ll strengthen your analytical and communication skills through applied coursework, debates, and a capstone policy paper. At the same time, private briefings with international organizations and mentoring from practitioners give you the insider perspective and professional confidence that employers value.
What careers do alumni pursue?
Our alumni have gone on to careers in diplomacy, international law, environmental policy, NGOs, public service, and academia. Many credit the program with helping them clarify their career goals and build the networks to achieve them.
Who will we meet during our time abroad?
Each year’s agenda responds to the most pressing global challenges, but past cohorts have met an inspiring range of leaders: Ian Charles Stewart, venture capitalist and WIRED Magazine co-founder; climate scientists at the World Meteorological Organization; plaintiffs from KlimaSeniorinnen, who successfully sued Switzerland in EU courts to strengthen climate protections; members of the Swiss Green Party; officers from the Pew Charitable Trust advancing public–private climate partnerships; and experts on migration, agriculture, and food security from the UN FAO, the World Food Programme (WFP), and other organizations.
What site visits and events are included?
The program blends academics with unforgettable experiences. In past years, students have toured the Swiss parliament in Bern, attended seminars at the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva, met with experts at the FAO and WFP in Rome, explored the Capitoline Museum and ancient sites in Rome, and taken a scenic gondola and railway to Jungfraujoch Mountain and the Aletsch Glacier — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highlight of the program, complete with a lecture delivered on the glacier itself.