Urban Ecology (Faculty-Led Program)

Examine examples of green infrastructure, sustainable design, and low-impact transportation systems in Sweden.

• Explore innovative sustainable practices in one of the leading green living regions in the world.
• Compare Malmo's post-industrial sustainable reinvention to Rochester and identify key practices Rochester could adopt toward more eco-friendly urban living.
• Participate in interactive field studies and create a final project. 
• Collaborate with local students at the University of Malmo. 

The application deadline for the spring/summer 2023 program has been reached. To inquire about next year's program, contact the faculty director, Elizabeth Hane (enhsbi@rit.edu)

This program focuses on the fundamental concepts of ecosystem science in a global urban setting. Malmo is a post-industrial city, much like Rochester, that has had to re-invent itself in the wake of major industry loss. Malmo has embraced many aspects of "green" infrastructure and serves as an example of how cities can move toward sustainable urban living. The eco-center developments of Malmo provide models for Rochester to consider as it embarks on creating an eco-center in the High Falls area. You will explore topics such as transportation, immigration, and more.

Hosted by Malmo University, you will collect data and spatial information in this interactive field course, possibly process laboratory samples and create a final project. You will participate in academic excursions in/near Copenhagen and Malmo to locations such as the Western Harbor, Fastrerbo (bird banding station), re-claimed brownfields (lime quarry), Augustenborg, Hyllie, and many urban gardens and green spaces. Students will stay in shared accommodations in a hostel with kitchen access, ensuite bathroom, and breakfast included.

No language requirement - program is taught in English.

Program Details:

• Course Term: Spring RIT course with May travel
• Travel Dates: Mid-May to Early June
• Credits: 3
• Courses: 
  ENVS- 305 Urban Ecology (3 credits) (undergraduate)
  ENVS-798 Independent Study (3 credits) (graduate)
  
  Students will be enrolled in a spring course in Rochester and will travel to Sweden in May to complete their coursework. No pre-requisites, open to all undergraduate majors (preference given to 2nd year or above), and graduate students

To Apply

This program is not currently accepting applications. To inquire about next year's program, email the faculty director or global@rit.edu.

COVID-19 & Study Abroad

The RIT Education Abroad office is constantly monitoring how COVID-19 is affecting international travel, with student safety as our top priority. While RIT no longer requires students to be vaccinated, we highly encourage study abroad participants to stay up-to-date with immunizations, boosters and social distancing polices. In fact, study abroad partners and vendors, travel providers and foreign governments may have different requirements and it is the students responsibility to understand and adhere to all requirements and guidelines. For the most up to date information and FAQs, please visit COVID-19 & Study Abroad