Joshua Long

• Associate Professor of Environmental Studies  
• p: 512.863.1493
• e: jlong@southwestern.edu  

Information Sessions: 

• Info Session: September 19, 2024 (Register here)
• Info Session: October 22, 2024 (Register here)
• Info Session: November 14, 2024 (Register here)

Application Deadline: December 1, 2024

Program Start Date: June 1, 2025

Program End Date: June 27, 2025

Theestimated program fee for this four-week program is $4321. This amount may change due to enrollment and tuition rates.

The program cost includes:

• $200 non-refundable deposit
• 4 credits of tuition
• Pre-departure materials 
• Group train reception and return in Lugano
• On-site safety, health, and cultural orientation
• Housing in FUS Residence Halls with available kitchen facilities
• Some meals, including a welcome meal, farewell meal, and one additional group meal
• Dedicated on-site staff support for the program, led by FUS staff
• Cultural and academic activities and excursions 

The program cost does not include:

• $75 application fee
• International airfare 
• Baggage fees and travel insurance
  
• Passport and visa expenses
• Medical Insurance
• Other meals not specified above 
• Personal expenses: laundry, toiletries, activities, snacks, personal travel, souvenirs, etc.

All students will take the following course: 

ENV49-304: Theory & Practices of Sustainability (4 credits)

This course introduces students to concepts in sustainability, environmental justice, and social justice in the context of the European experience. Students will be asked to examine these issues from an interdisciplinary and critical perspective. This course will cover topics such as sustainable food and agriculture, sustainable transportation, sustainable energy, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience. Ultimately, this course also requires students to consider the contradictions of lived sustainability in Switzerland—a country simultaneously known for livability and sustainability while also demonstrating strong tendencies toward xenophobia, racism, and sexism.

There are no prerequisites for this course. This course satisfies the Social Justice requirement. It also counts toward Environmental Studies or International Studies majors. 

Students will stay in FUS residence halls with available kitchen facilities. The housing includes 2 sets of bed linens, one pillow, one towel and basic cleaning supplies. Two meals per day (breakfast and lunch, Monday-Thursday) at the FUS Dining Hall are included. A welcome meal, farewell meal, and one additional group meal are included. Students are responsible for all other meals.

Excursions Include:  

The hike to Monte Bre – This will be a unique mix of urban hike and nature hike that winds through historic sites and ends at the artist’s village of Bre Paese 

Dinner at a traditional Ticinese Grotto - Students will be able to experience traditional Ticinese cuisine at a grotto in walking distance of the student residence 

On top of Ticino - Afternoon class at the top of Monte Generoso - Students will take a train to Cappolago-Riva S. Vitale where we will then board a cog train to climb Monte Generoso, one of the highest points in Southern Switzerland. There we will have class on the deck of the Mario Botta designed structure, Fiore di Pietra, and walk along the ridgeline to get a panoramic view of Southern Switzerland and Northern Italy where we will discuss Swiss geology, climate, and urban sprawl 

And more!