Our Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is built into our mission. 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 of social and environmental responsibility 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 fully digital. And by moving class materials, schedules, sign-up sheets, and most other forms online, our staff around the world have shifted toward paperless communications and procedures with students. Our staff also use public transportation whenever they can, and they encourage students to do the same.

Spotlight: Zero Waste Cooking Workshops

At CET Japan, awareness of food loss and waste is embedded into several sustainability-themed activities. Students may participate in a cooking workshop where they learn how to eliminate food waste by using all parts of the ingredients for dashi and sushi. While attending a tea appreciation workshop in Uji, students may also learn about zero food loss in traditional Japanese tea culture.

Reuse

Around the world, we do our best to avoid single-use items. Our kitchens have reusable supplies, from chopsticks to mugs to plates. Most of our sites provide students access to potable water taps, making reusable water bottles an easy choice. At many of our program locations, staff members help and encourage students to donate unused toiletries, packed food, and clothing that they do not intend to take home at the end of the term.

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.

Spotlight: Recycling Systems Abroad

In Colombia, consistent waste separation and recycling practices are not yet widely implemented across all institutions and households. Nonetheless, CET Colombia has established a waste separation system within program facilities and continues to educate students and staff on responsible recycling practices. Additionally, staff donate office recyclables to independent recyclers, who play an essential role in Colombia’s recycling chain.

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.

Spotlight: Community Knowledge

During the Traveling Seminar at CET Brazil, students may spend a day at Quilombo Kaonge—an Afro-Brazilian community—to learn about and take part in local sustainability practices rooted in traditional knowledge, agroecological farming, food sovereignty, and environmental preservation.

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. As of 2026, we’ve invested over $250,000 and are excited for our Decarbonization Fund to continue growing alongside us. 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 $1,200 – $10,000.

Dedicated to diversifying study abroad, CET became an FEA Access Partner in 2018. Thirty-two students, as of 2026, 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 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 to those in need.
Cat Space in Japan
Local cat café and rescue group known for ethical care.
Drabzeen Human Development in Jordan
Provides a forum for youth to discuss human rights, democracy and political participation through café talks.
Fundación San Cipriano in Colombia
Promotes conservation of the Escalerete and San Cipriano Rivers National Protected Forest Reserve.
Instituto Chão in Brazil
Workers’ association and organic food cooperative that operates within a solidarity economy.
iPower in Taiwan
Develops and runs youth-empowerment programs for rural communities.