Visual and Performing Arts

Study Abroad: Sustainability in Sweden

Embark on a journey that will enhance your academic credentials and empower you to make a meaningful impact on the world.

A collaboration between the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science, Sustainability in Sweden is an immersive, interdisciplinary program connecting forest health, art, climate change, and community engagement. Environmental stewardship and interdisciplinary field experience are the core of this program.

Sustainability in Sweden is part of Sister Forests—an ongoing environmental arts project that links the forests of Björkö-Arholma, Sweden, with those of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, fostering a deep sense of community and global responsibility.

This program begins in summer 2025 and takes place every two years.

Who Can Apply?

The trip is open to all majors. We welcome all students who have a deep interest in the environment and a desire to create a meaningful impact on the world.

Faculty Leaders

Lisa Gordillo
"It's not art unless it has the potential to be a disaster."
—Banksy

Lisa Gordillo

  • Associate Chair, Visual and Performing Arts
  • Associate Professor, Visual and Performing Arts
  • Artist-in-Residence, College of Forest Resources and Environmental Sciences

Links of Interest

Tara Bal

Tara L. Bal

  • Assistant Professor, Forest Health
  • Master of Forestry Degree Program Director
  • Wood Protection Group, Microbiology/Pathology Lab Leader

Teaching Interests

  • Forest Health
  • Forest Entomology
  • Forest Pathology
  • Wild Foods, Maple Syrup & Culture
  • Professionalism

Areas of Expertise

  • Forest Health Management and Monitoring
  • Forest Education, Diversity and Inclusion in Forestry and Natural Resources
  • Invasion Ecology
  • Wood Decay Testing and Pathology
  • Insect, Fungi, and Environmental Education, Pedagogy
Molly Cavaleri
"The wonder is that we can see these trees and not wonder more."
—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Molly A. Cavaleri

  • Associate Dean & Professor
  • Director of Graduate Studies

Links of Interest

Areas of Expertise

  • Forest canopy structure and function
  • Forest response to global change
  • Carbon and water cycling through forests
  • Tree ecophysiology
  • Stable isotope ecology
  • Invasive tree species

Courses

Students in this program take all three courses, for a 7- or 9-credit interdisciplinary experience. Classes begin online three weeks before departure. The online portion of our classes is mandatory. Classes are taught in English by Michigan Tech faculty.

FW 3114: Reading the Forest

Reading the Forest is an international, ecologically focused travel course emphasizing observational learning.  Students study forest ecology topics, natural disturbances, and human-derived impacts that shape the forests around us. Connecting to the natural world and place-based learning influences the way we make observations, allowing us to think deeper about how the past and the present shape forested landscapes.

  • Instructor: Tara Bal
  • 3 credits

  • Gen Ed: HASS (Social & Behavioral Science) / Essential Ed: Experience

FW 3117: Forests of the Future

Forests of the Future is an international travel course that links together concepts of climate change, tree physiology, and how we interact with and communicate about forests. Students will learn about how forests work and how they are responding to our changing climate. Students will also explore ways of communicating about complex topics like climate change and how trees interact with each other and their environment.

  • Instructor: Molly Cavaleri
  • 3 credits
  • Gen Ed / Essential Ed: STEM

ART 3850: Art in the Forest

A place-based arts class within the Swedish forest. We'll seek out sites that spark our imagination, sites of ecological significance, and sites that matter to the local community. We'll spend time learning about the places we're in, imagining how art can tell a story there, and why those stories matter. We'll make works of art that can be touched, held, walked on, and climbed into—exploring such ideas as sustainability, accessibility, flexibility, comfort, connection, and play. A key aspect of this course is developing art that increases accessibility in the forest, mixing community engagement and local stewardship.

  • Instructor: Lisa Gordillo
  • 1 or 3 credits
  • Gen Ed: HASS (Humanties & Fine Arts) / Essential Ed: Arts and Culture
  • Includes a lab fee, which will be the final balance of your program fee
Hiking in Swedish woods.

Costs

Students pay their regular Michigan Tech tuition, airfare, and program fee. The program fee includes:

  • All housing
  • Course materials
  • Entrance to all activities
  • In-country transportation
  • Most meals
  • International health insurance*

* Required by the University

Students should also budget $15-$30 per day in personal spending money for the trip. All students are required to have a personal cell phone with an international plan.

Cost Details

  • The program fee will be posted in October 2024
  • First deposit: $750 | Due: Friday, January 10, 2025
  • Second deposit: $750 | Due: Friday, March 7, 2025
  • Final balance: Paid with summer tuition
  • ART 3850 includes a lab fee, which will be the final balance of your program fee

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students can cover all program costs with financial aid. To qualify for financial aid, you must take 12 credit hours during the summer (Track A and Track B combined). 

Students receive 7 or 9 credit hours across Tracks A and B for this program. Michigan Tech students who wish to take 12 summer credit hours may take additional credits during Track B to meet their credit requirements. A small number of Independent Study options are sometimes available with program faculty. Please contact one of the program leaders if you're interested in this option.

Michigan Tech’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion offers several Study Away Assistance Scholarships each year. Students who are actively involved in CDI programming are able to apply for up to $500 of assistance.

Consult with the Michigan Tech Financial Aid Office, or the financial aid office at your home university, for more information about how to fund your study abroad experience.

Past Experiences

Our past programs provided students with unique opportunities to immerse themselves in rich cultural experience where sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community care intersected every day. Whether you're considering your own adventure or simply want to see the incredible work our students have produced, this is your chance to be inspired. Join us in celebrating a fusion of art and science that makes an impact on the world.

Participants during Midsommer.
Faculty at Midsommar
A bridge in the city of Uppsala
A bridge in the city of Uppsala
A view of the Åland sea with participants.
Faculty and guest speakers by the Åland sea

Other Things to Consider

Have questions about studying aboard? Your Faculty Leader can help you with your pre-departure. Michigan Tech has standard policies on academic misconduct and complies with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Here are some other resources that will help you with your visit:

Behavior and Expectations

Students are expected to abide by the Michigan Tech student conduct code. There is zero tolerance for drug use. Violations will result in immediate expulsion from the program and no refund.

Health and Safety

Reasonable precautions should be taken as in any area abroad. Faculty Leaders will assist you in finding the closest medical facilities.

Accomodations

For more information about reasonable accommodation for or equal access to education or services at Michigan Tech, please call the Dean of Students Office, at 906-487- 2212 or follow the link above.