The ISDSI Online semester is an innovative blend of online and experiential learning. Based on our multi-year effort in documenting local leaders on film, as well as 20+ years of teaching about sustainability in Thailand, this online semester is challenging, eye-opening, and life changing.
Instead of just sitting in on Zoom meetings or reviewing pre-packaged content and materials, the ISDSI Online semester is a deep dive into the communities of Thailand that are on the front lines of creating a more sustainable future. Just as with our in-person semester program, each course is designed in collaboration with local communities, allowing students to step into their lives and have the ability to go to places that tourists don’t.
ISDSI Online is a way for students who may not have the time or ability to go abroad, and especially now with COVID-19 and a global pandemic, we feel it is more important than ever to offer students real, grounded experiences that are rewarding, challenging, and engaging.
Most of ISDSI Online is asynchronous and built to be studied at the student’s own pace. Since we are based in Thailand, especially for students from North America, live (synchronous) seminars are challenging due to a 12 hour or more time zone difference. In order to blend both, the ISDSI Online semester integrates community engagement through online discussion groups with Thai instructors and community members, as well as one-on-one meetings with ISDSI instructors to help clarify and advise students on projects and assignments.
Each ISDSI Online course is built around a student video project, based on the student’s own interests and learning objectives. This helps students to develop a portfolio of presentations around sustainability, and contribute to a growing library of student generated content hosted by ISDSI.
Courses will include:
- Sustainable Food Systems (Agriculture) – Sociology or Biology
- Political Ecology of Forests (Forests) – Anthropology or Environmental Studies
- Culture and Ecology of the Andaman (Oceans) – Environmental Studies or Geography
Students completing all three courses will earn a Certificate in Sustainability Studies.
More information will be coming soon!