1 and 2 Year Programs

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Ecology, Humanity, and Environmental Leadership

A Complete Two-Year Program

SEMESTER ONE – Semester on Earth

Semester on Earth concentrates on building a solid foundation of ecological knowledge and the human relationship to nature. Outdated information that students grew up believing are deconstructed and reconstructed with current knowledge. Information about environmental problems as well as food, shelter, and social justice issues are introduced and discussed. Ecological living skills are learned and practiced. Students delve into their own personal relationships with nature and learn methods and practices to open and deepen those relationships. Semester on Earth is a residential program at University of the Wild.

SEMESTER TWO – Ecological Justice and Environmental Issues

Semester Two concentrates on current and future environmental problems and humanity’s role in causing and dealing with those problems as well as a real-world deep ecological experience. Two months in residence at the University of the Wild is followed by a two-month mentored, supervised, self-directed stay in a special bioregion designed to create a “sense of place” and an understanding of applied deep ecology, cultural awareness, and the ecological self.

SEMESTER THREE – Ecological Living and Environmental Leadership

The third semester concentrates on expanding skills of ecological living, building and governing ecologically oriented communities, transitioning from learning and experiencing to teaching and leading, and career exploration. Students each plan and complete a three-month mentored, self-directed service, work-study, and international travel experience with an organization, culture, or community that meets the needs of the student’s learning goals and career path.

SEMESTER FOUR – Integration and Action

The final semester is a period of retrospection and reflection. Looking back, students prepare a portfolio or other representation of their UofWild work and insights through written word, video, photography, and oral presentations. Looking ahead, students also prepare a personal action plan and strategies for future work in their chosen fields. In the spirit and tradition of Global Ecological Citizens, students find ways to impart their knowledge and skills to others through teaching and mentoring first-year students and running public workshops, talks, and conferences. The final component is a gathering and council of all students and mentors for the public presentations of the portfolios.