Our Commitment to Sustainability

Long before sustainability became a buzz word, CET embraced the principles this term embodies. Since our inception in 1982, we have believed in the power of education, the importance of cultural respect, the vitality of our planet’s diversity, and the invaluable exchange of ideas between human beings. These principles are reflected in everything we do, and every day, we strive to do more, do better, and make a difference.

Eco-Friendly Practices at CET

Reduce

Conservation is always on our mind. Our application and pre-departure materials are virtually paperless. And staff around the world use public transportation whenever they can (and encourage students to do the same).

Reuse

Around the world, we reuse office and kitchen supplies—from chopsticks to napkins—whenever possible. Most of our sites provide students access to potable water taps, too. Goodbye one-use plastic bottles!

Recycle

Recycling isn’t available everywhere, but we still try to do our part. Wherever possible, we not only recycle, we purchase recycled and eco-friendly products. At our headquarters in DC, we compost and use 100% recycled paper.

Respect

The more of the world you see, the more responsibility for the world you share. We impart to students ways to be not only green minded, but locally minded—conscious of regional conservation challenges and respectful of host society heritage and practices.

Decarbonization with Cool Effect

As part of our ongoing efforts towards sustainability and our commitment to the Glasgow Declaration, we’ve partnered with Cool Effect to mitigate the impact of our carbon footprint. Cool Effect is a nonprofit focused on reducing carbon emissions through scientifically-proven, hand-selected carbon projects all around the world.

For each trip taken by one of our staff members, travelers, or students, we donate in support of three carbon projects chosen by staff volunteers every year. In our first year, we’re proud to have invested over $30,000 and are excited for our Decarbonization Fund to grow alongside us moving forward. Learn more about Cool Effect and how we work together or donate to support a carbon project of your choice.

Fund for Education Abroad

In 2010, Academic Travel Abroad and CET leaders—David Parry, Kate Simpson, and Mark Lenhart—founded the Fund for Education Abroad with a vision to dramatically increase the number of underrepresented students studying abroad. An independent 501(c)(3), FEA’s mission is to support minority, first-generation, and community college students in their study abroad journeys. This is primarily done by the awarding of scholarships ranging from $2,500 – $10,000.

In 2018, CET joined a group of study abroad organizations dedicated to diversifying study abroad as an FEA Access Partner and received its first FEA scholar on a CET program since FEA’s establishment in 2010. Eight students have since studied abroad with CET through an FEA scholarship. Learn more about FEA and how to apply for an FEA scholarship on their website.

Giving Back

When we set up a program overseas, we become a part of that local community. And as a community member, it is our responsibility to contribute to local initiatives in meaningful ways. This is a list of just some of the local philanthropic organizations that help us fulfill this responsibility—they host our students and we support their missions.

Caritas in Italy
Items left in student housing are donated for those in need.
Roots & Shoots Shanghai
Teaches conservation to Chinese youth.
Green Spot Recycling in Jordan
Facilitates recyclying programs and awareness throughout Amman.
Museum of Romani Culture in Prague
Preserves Romani cultural history, fights xenophobia, and educates the public about Romani heritage.
WEConnect in Beijing
Connects women’s enterprises with market opportunity.