Students Embark on Sustainability Immersion Trip in Grand Manan Canada

Seven Alvernia University students & alums studied abroad through the Sustainability Immersion Program in Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick, Canada. This trip is a 1-week study abroad experience for college students to better understand the components of creating a more sustainable community and the leadership approach necessary to help create this change.

"At the heart of the Canada sustainability immersion trip is the adventure-based group learning program developed and facilitated by the Sustainable Misfits, a nonprofit organization founded by five Alvernia alumni," said Sustainable Misfits Executive Director & Alvernia University Assistant Professor of Leadership, Dr. Alicia Sprow. The program's focus is to guide young adults on how to effectively cultivate a caring, resilient community of people who make a positive impact on others and the environment."

The students stay at an eco-retreat complete with tiny homes, composting toilets, recycled items that have been artfully built into the structures, and a central gathering place to come together for meals and conversation. They tour the island to gain a better understanding of the community and industries on which they rely. Students work alongside community members and organizations on service projects and planning discussions.

"The place we stayed was made out of an old ship, with different parts of the gathering place and other areas being made from different parts of the ship, so you are truly embracing and practicing sustainability," said rising senior psychology major, Alettya Zalapa-Alonso. "It made me want to learn more. I think I can say for every one that went, that the Island and its residence were absolutely wonderful. The overall experience that Grand Manan leaves is magical, not only by its scenery but the history you can learn about transformation, adaptability, and the beauty that can be found even when it's foggy out."

The five main program outcomes this trip yields include skill and knowledge development around community building, effective communication, systems thinking, innovative leadership, and supportive followership.

"The trip was a magical experience," said digital media marketing graduate, Noah Rizzo '21. "The word magic was a constant theme in Grand Manan, this is a special place where people go to experience things they have never seen before. The immersive experience of staying in an eco-retreat reminds many students there is a simpler way of life and the value in that. One of the best features of the Canada trip is the connection students experience with nature and others as screen time is down significantly."