Explore Vietnam’s environmental systems through winter study abroad

 Travel from the industrial zones of Ho Chi Minh City to the farms of the Mekong Delta and the coral reefs of Côn Đảo National Park during Factory to Farm to Reef: An Environmental Journey Through Vietnam, Dec. 13–23, 2026.

This immersive NIU Study Abroad program will explore how industrialization, agriculture, water resources and coastal ecosystems are connected. Students will collect water-quality data, learn from Vietnamese researchers and community members, and examine the lasting environmental effects of war and rapid economic development.

Program experiences include:

• Visiting an active industrial park to learn about environmental management, wastewater systems and regulatory compliance

• Following the production of Vietnamese rubber from seedling to latex and waste management

• Visiting catfish farms, shrimp aquaculture operations and rice paddies in the Mekong Delta

• Speaking with farmers about how upstream water pollution affects their livelihoods

• Snorkeling the coral reefs of Côn Đảo National Park and studying coastal ecosystem management

• Exploring the War Remnants Museum, Agent Orange contamination sites and the historic Côn Đảo Prison complex

• Experiencing the culture, markets, museums and street life of Ho Chi Minh City

The program is led by Dr. Melissa Lenczewski of NIU’s Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment and co-instructor Professor Bao-Son Trinh of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.

Undergraduate and graduate students in Environmental Studies, Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Southeast Asian Studies and related fields are encouraged to apply. Participants will earn two credit hours through EAE or CSEAS.

Program dates: Dec. 13–23, 2026
Program cost: $4,230, plus international airfare and other personal expenses
Application deadline: Oct. 1, 2026

Financial aid may be used for study abroad. Students should contact the NIU Financial Aid Office to discuss their options.

Apply through the NIU Study Abroad portal and search for “Vietnam.” Questions may be directed to the NIU Study Abroad Office at niuabroad@niu.edu or 815-753-0700.

Study Abroad in Coastal Mexico This Winter

 

Study Abroad in Coastal Mexico This Winter

Explore the connections among water, culture, community resilience, sustainability and environmental justice during NIU’s faculty-led study abroad program in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.

Water, Community, and Environmental Justice in Coastal Mexico will take place Dec. 28, 2026, through Jan. 6, 2027. Students from all majors are welcome.

Through field visits, applied activities and collaboration with local partners, participants will:

• Explore cenotes, karst groundwater and coastal environments

• Examine water access, sanitation and tourism pressures

• Learn with Centinelas del Agua and local communities

• Investigate mangroves, sargassum and sustainable practices

• Consider how environmental challenges affect communities across the Riviera Maya

Attend an Information Session

Meet the program leaders, learn about planned activities, review costs and course-credit options, and ask questions.

In person
Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m.
Montgomery Hall 353

Online via Zoom
Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.
https://niu-edu.zoom.us/j/85362605398?pwd=dCSf0XejSbBfOaSbZEO4w10iuMghAO.1

Course Credit

Students may select from ENVS 496, NNGO 328, POLS 496, PSPA 496, SOCI 395 or INTL 301 for three credits, or EAE 494 for one credit. Qualified students may request Honors credit with approval. Undergraduate and graduate credit options are available.

Cost and Application

The program cost is $2,635. Airfare, most meals and the NIU Academic Program Enhancement Fee are additional.

Application deadline: Sept. 29

View program details and apply through the NIU Study Abroad Portal.

Questions? Contact Melissa Burlingame Greenhagen at mburlingame@niu.edu.

Build Career Skills While Tackling a Food Sustainability Challenge

 

Build Career Skills While Tackling a Food Sustainability Challenge

Environmental Studies students looking for a career-focused elective this fall may be interested in UNIV 301, a three-credit course offered through NIU’s partnership with Braven.

In this fully online, synchronous course, sophomores, juniors and seniors develop practical career skills, including résumé writing, interviewing, networking and professional communication. Students also collaborate with peers from across NIU on a real-world capstone project.

This fall, students will work with Builders Vision, a capital and philanthropic firm focused on food and agriculture, energy, and oceans. The project centers on Forty Acres Fresh Market, which provides affordable, healthy and culturally relevant food in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Student teams will develop creative, low-cost strategies to help Forty Acres engage the community, increase revenue and build customer loyalty while keeping food affordable. They will present their recommendations live to the employer partner and other stakeholders.

Course details:

• Three-credit elective

• Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors

• Fully online with synchronous Tuesday or Wednesday class options

• Includes career preparation and a real-world team project

Learn more about the course and Braven at niu.edu/braven.

Field Research Technician Position Jones lab

 

Are you interested in a paid research opportunity? The Jones Evidence-Based Restoration Lab has an undergraduate research assistant position available! This position will be a blend of field and greenhouse work with flexible hours and scheduling. You will have the opportunity to participate in field-based soil core collection at Nachusa grasslands, as well as learn in-demand plant identification and greenhouse techniques by helping record the seedlings emerging from the planted soil cores and maintaining the ideal conditions for the seedlings. No experience necessary - we are here for you to learn, and you will have guidance at every step of the way! The position will have a stipend of $2,000. 

Requirements for the position: Undergraduate student at NIU, available September through the end of November.

This position must be filled, so please reach out to Kamal Ehrlich (z2037175@students.niu.edu) with a cover letter stating your interest, experience for the position, and general career goals by August 31st. 

Join us for the Interdisciplinary Centers Open House!

 

Join us for the Interdisciplinary Centers Open House!

Stop by the Environmental Studies table to meet our faculty, staff and students and learn how you can turn your interest in the environment, sustainability and energy into a major or minor at NIU. You can also explore other interdisciplinary programs, connect with campus resources and enjoy free food, music and performances.

📅 Thursday, Aug. 27
🕛 Noon to 2 p.m.
📍 Outside the Latino Resource Center and Center for Southeast Asian Studies

We hope to see you there!

#NIU #NIUENVS #EnvironmentalStudies #HuskiePride