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about our students »
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ecovillages and sustainable communities »
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Q. I don't have a backgound in science or environmental
studies, is that a prerequisite?
A. No. Living Routes programs are interdisciplinary
and students come to us from a wide variety of disciplines. Students
usually have a general interest in sustainable living, but majors
vary, including: political science, English, biology, environmental
studies, sustainable development, African studies, anthropology,
world religions, women's studies, French, Latin American studies,
fine arts, agriculture. and psychology. Some students have yet
to declare a major or minor, and several have designed their own.
Outside of the classroom, students have a wide array of personal
interests, which they bring to the group and integrate into their
learning abroad.
Q. I'm not enrolled in school at the moment, can I still
participate?
A. Yes, you can study with us at any point in
your educational journey, before you begin college, as a freshman,
if you've taken some time off, even as a senior or graduate. Living
Routes programs offer college credit that will transfer to most
schools, but some students do not need the credit and decide to
pursue the program for the learning and growth, personally and
professionally. Adult learners and professionals on sabbatical
have also participated and thrived on our programs.
Q. What is the minimum GPA you require? How competitive
is it to get in?
A. Our mission is to help students develop the
skills, understanding and inspiration to create a better world.
We are looking for students who want and are ready to take advantage
of our transformational educational opportunities. Our admissions
decisions are based on looking at the whole person, and not just
a grade point average. While we like to see a 2.5 or better, we
weigh more heavily factors such as references, maturity, dedication
and passion (as evidenced by the application essay and phone interview),
understanding of the aims of the program and the ecovillage, and
life experience. Our programs are filled on a rolling admissions
basis, and can fill several months before a program's start date.
It is never too early to apply. We have also experienced last
minute openings due to cancellations and have been able to accommodate
applications significantly past our deadline.
Q. I have some food allergies and/or health issues-can
I still study abroad in ecovillages?
A. We have had many students with a variety of special
needs participate in our programs. We work individually with each
student and our faculty and directors in the ecovillages, and do
our utmost to meet you needs. Certain conditions are more serious
and require a doctor's approval or recommendation. Rest assured
that your health and safety are our primary concern-we strive
to make our programs accessible to all those who can safely and
productively benefit from them.
Q. I'm worried about the cost-I'm not sure I can afford
your program.
A. We strive to price our programs as fairly as possible
so that they will be accessible to the largest possible number
of students. The basic cost of our semester programs, for example,
is similar between the to the semester cost of in-state and out-of-state
tuition and room and board at most any state universities. Students
are usually able to apply much of their financial aid awards to
our programs. Please check with your financial aid office for
more details. Nonetheless, we understand that our programs can
be too expensive for some, and we do offer need-based scholarships
to help bridge that gap. As we are a young organization, they
are not large awards-but they often help pay for a plane ticket.
We strive to help where we can. For more info, please see our
financial aid info.
Q. I'm not religious, what's all this talk about spirituality?
A. Living Routes programs and the host ecovillages in
which students stay are not religious, but they do often have
a spiritual focus. By this we mean that we do not advocate any
particular religion, but rather encourage students to explore
their own and others worldviews and belief systems. On most Living
Routes programs, there are opportunities for silent meditation,
yoga and other forms of personal development but these are offered
in a non-sectarian manner.
Q. I'm Canadian, can I participate and get credit?
A. Yes. Candadian students (and those from countries
around the world) have benefited from Living Routes programs and
have transferred the credit back to their home universities. Like
students for U.S. universities, they should check with their academic
advisor or study abroad office school registrar or academic department
to complete the necessary process around program approval and
credit transfer.
Q. How many students are on each program?
A. We keep our programs small so that the community aspect
of the programs can best be fostered. Therefore, most of our programs
tend to have between 8-16 students.
Q. Can I contact participants from past programs?
A. Of course. Our alumni often credit their Living Routes
education as having a profound impact on their worldview and work
and life choices. They enjoy the opportunity to talk about their
experiences and share their passion. Please feel free to call
or email us for contact information for recent alumni of the program
you are interested in.
Q. I really want to learn about the host country language
and culture. Can I do this in ecovillages?
A. Definitely. Programs are tailored for students to
experience the culture of the ecovillage and the region. Indeed,
many seminars and lectures are offered by local experts and professionals.
Students pursue internships and service learning projects that
often take them to indigenous communities where they work and
learn side-by-side with locals. Our Senegal programs, for example,
pairs students with Senegalese university students who participate
in seminars and fieldwork and provide a unique level of access
to the local languages and culture. Finally, all programs involve
extensive educational excursions whereby students explore sites
of cultural, historic and ecological importance and engage directly
with indigenous populations.
Q. I'm interested in studying abroad for more than one
semester. Is that possible?
A. Yes. Students can participate in two consecutive semester
programs (choosing from India, Scotland, and Senegal) or combine
a semester program with one of our summer or January term programs.
In fact, most students report in their evaluations that they wish
they could go on and continue their experience. Those who have
done so, have enjoyed an incredible opportunity to deepen their
learning, explore new subject matter and compare and contrast
the approaches to sustainability in the vastly different ecovillages
and countries where are programs take place. Please see our year
abroad page for more info.
For an application and more information, please click here!
Q. Are there any prerequisites for the programs?
A. Only our Senegal programs have a French proficiency
requirement. All other programs are taught in English and may
have pre-program reading assignments.
Q. Do I need to have all materials together before I apply?
A. No, because we accept students on a rolling admissions
policy, it is often best to get your application in as soon as
possible. All you need to hold your place is the completed application
form, the application fee and essay (if you are applying for a
semester or year abroad program- otherwise you do not need to
write the essay). You can have your references and unofficial
transcript sent directly to us. Remember, if you are applying
for a three-3 week program all you need to send is the application
and fee.
Q. I'm applying for a program that takes place a year
from now, is it too early to apply?
A. No, many students are making their plans several semesters
in advance, and programs can fill up to year in advance. While
we sometimes have last minute openings or cancellations, this
should not be counted on. Generally it is never too early to apply.
Q. Are there outside scholarships that support my participation
in Living Routes study abroad?
A. Yes, there is the Gilman Scholarship and many organizations,
like Rotary International, have money available for international
study. Please see our financial aid
information for info on that and Living Routes' own need-based
grants, and contact your study abroad office for more details
Q. Why would I want to study at an Ecovillage instead
of a foreign university?
A. They are very different experiences. With Living Routes,
you are living in a community and learning as a group, which includes
learning how to work effectively in teams, build consensus and
transform conflict. While studying at a foreign university will hav much
in common with your current university experience,
an Ecovillage 'campus' is a living laboratory for social and ecological
change. Ecovillages are vibrant communities of individuals, socially
responsible businesses, and non-profit advocacy and development
organizations. Ecovillages are experimenting with ways of living,
consuming, producing, and learning that are models for a sustainable
future. Students find living examples of what they are studying
as well as ready mentors in a dazzling array of fields. For more
info, see ecovillages basics.
Q. Are the communities safe?
A. Yes, we select host ecovillage communities based on
their ability to provide for the health and safety of our students
and faculty. Ecovillages are places of holistic health and healing
and are cooperative places where members and neighbors know and
interact with each other, so crime is often far less common than
in other parts of the country (or in towns and cities in the U.S.)
For more information, please see our health
information.
Q. What are the living arrangements on the different programs?
A. Students live in community with other ecovillagers
or sesidents of indigenous villages. Accommodations typically
include bungalow-style housing with single or double occupancy
rooms. Homestay accommodations vary. The living arrangements are
generally simple and rustic, but comfortable, clean and safe,
and in accordance with the everyday way of life in the communities
we visit.
Q. What is the food like on the programs?
A. Almost all meals are included in the cost of the program,
and consist of healthy vegetarian fare made from local ingredients.
There are vegan options and a good deal of the food is
organically grown in the host communities. Homestay families make
an effort to accommodate special dietary needs as well.
Q. Will I have access to a computer?
A. Yes, students will have access to computers. For those
students with laptops, they are encouraged to bring them to Senegal
and Scotland (where there is wireless Internet access) and are welcome
to do so on the other programs. Internet access is either free or
very inexpensive.
Q. What if my study abroad office has not heard about Living Routes?
A. We will happily send your study abroad office information
about our programs, including an academic handbook with course
descriptions and other pertinent materials. Program curricula
can be found on our Advisor Information page. We are also happy
to speak with your advisor or study abroad director at their convenience.
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