Northeastern University blogs about student’s visit to EARTH.  This program is just one of the many examples of customized programs the Office of International Academic Programs helps to coordinate. http://www.northeastern.edu/news/stories/2010/08/Costa_Rica.html

As this year’s second trimester came to an end on Friday, we we were sad to say goodbye to some of our international students and interns.  We would like to take the time to recognize the following for their contributions to EARTH:

• Julia Mjelva, Norway, Study Abroad Student
• Charlotte Jensen, Norway, Study Abroad Student
• Hakkon Celius, Norway, Study Abroad Student
• Ruth Graf, Switzerland, Independent Study
• Asmaa Abdel-Azim, Michigan, USA, Community Development Intern
• Noemie Sierra, Maryland, USA, General Environmental Studies Intern

EARTH University thrives from multi-national input from participants like these.  We are positive these bright students will have a successful academic and future.

Administrators from the University of Nebraska Agriculture Department arrived at EARTH on Wednesday to discuss a possible student exchange program for the following trimester.

So far, they have toured EARTH’s many farms and visited EARTH’s commercial production department to learn about EARTH’s connections with large US companies such as Whole Foods.  They have also visited nearby communities to see the work EARTH interns and students have done to help locals.

Their next stop: EARTH’s campus in La Flor.

For the second time this year, EARTH University celebrates “Día sin Autos” or Day Without Cars.  Today, students and staff will walk, bike, or use electric transportation to get to class or the office in order to decrease EARTH’s CO2 output.

This event is just one of the many ways EARTH promotes alternative modes of transportation and contributes to improving the quality of our air and of our environment overall.

What else has EARTH done to promote carbon neutrality?

• On April 22, 2010 (Earth Day), Earth replaced campus automobiles with a fleet of 22 electric vehicles.
• EARTH planned and promoted the event, EARTH Plants the Future, where on June 5, 2010, more than 1.19 million trees were planted in 34 different countries across the globe. Learn more http://bit.ly/dnbuxC.

Read more about EARTH’s commitment to carbon neutrality beginning in September 2007: http://bit.ly/9FHxfZ.

Here to learn about medical systems in Costa Rica, six nursing students from Peninsula College in Washington arrived at EARTH today.

They have been traveling the country for about a month to see how medical practices and social security works in rural Latin America.  This week, these students will gain hands-on experience in EARTH’s health clinic and also visit the medical centers in nearby communities.

As most of you know, EARTH University is home to students from over 25 different countries across the globe, many of which are from very poor areas of the world.  In December, several EARTH students will be graduating, but won’t be able to share that special moment with their families since they can not afford a plane ticket.  For this reason, EARTH’s fourth-year students have been raising money for those who’s parents do not otherwise have the  means to bring their families to the ceremony.

“Once we have completed our studies at EARTH, we want to share that special moment of our graduation with our relatives, the people that raised us and gave us courage,” said fourth-year student Johanny.

EARTH students of the Class of 2010 have been working hard to gather funds to support their colleagues.  So far, a committee of fourth-year students have organized student parties among other efforts to collect money.  One of the biggest events they hosted was a fair on campus where students could share typical food, dance, and other cultural aspects from their home countries.  Over 5,000 visitors came from surrounding towns to enjoy the festivities and support EARTH that day.

The students have also created a Facebook page for the cause: http://www.causes.com/causes/503287. Please visit the page for more information, send the link to a friend who you believe would help, or spare a few dollars yourself! Any donation amount is appreciated.

“Our aim is to bring 100% of senior students’ parents to the ceremony,” said Johanny.

These students have worked hard to obtain a degree which “is only the beginning for transforming humanity,” as Johanny explained their education’s global impact. A donation could be your way of saying “thanks,” and encouraging the environmental change for which these students have worked so hard.