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AIFS Abroad is committed to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and climate action. As part of our Green Initiative, we are proud to offer the Green Ambassador Scholarship to participants who share our passion for creating a greener future.
AIFS Abroad Green Ambassador scholarship recipients are expected to collaborate with their on-site staff to plan and execute at least one “green” event during their program. This event should promote sustainability and climate education and awareness. Recipients will also be involved in sustainability-related content creation.
Read on to learn more about the Fall 2025 cohort of AIFS Abroad Green Ambassadors:
Elandrea Baker, Howard University
AIFS Abroad in Athens, Greece | Study Abroad Program
Major: Political Science | Minor: Sociology
What does it mean to you to be a Green Ambassador?
“To me, being a Green Ambassador means using my voice and leadership to advocate for environmental justice and develop sustainable solutions that prioritize marginalized communities. It’s about bridging the gap between economic policy and climate action to create systemic, lasting change.”
How will this experience abroad tie back into your everyday life after you return from your program?
“This experience will provide me with global perspectives on sustainability that I’ll apply to local initiatives, policy advocacy, and community projects in Washington, D.C. I plan to leverage what I learn to empower others through education and implement inclusive, community-led environmental solutions.”
Alyssa Schaefer, Colorado State University
AIFS Abroad in Granada, Spain | Study Abroad Program
Major: Spanish and Ecosystem Science & Sustainability
What does it mean to you to be a Green Ambassador?
“I adore nature and teaching those around me about the environment. Being a Green Ambassador will allow me to apply my Ecosystem major and what I have learned throughout college to my Spanish studies abroad and connect further with my fellow classmates on the program.”
How will this experience abroad tie back into your everyday life after you return from your program?
“This experience abroad will broaden my perspective of the world’s cultures and approaches to sustainability greatly. I am excited to apply the new strategies I learn and grow in my professional skills so that I can influence those around me when I return to the states.”
Paige Kiarie, Howard University
AIFS Abroad in Sydney, Australia | Study Abroad Program
Major: Environmental Science | Minor: Physics and Russian
What does it mean to you to be a Green Ambassador?
“To be a Green Ambassador means beginning my path to becoming a global citizen, one who advocates for the environment and uplifts the voices of vulnerable communities around the world.”
How will this experience abroad tie back into your everyday life after you return from your program?
“My experience abroad will allow me to be more conscious of the world around me. It will encourage me to engage with global perspectives and apply them to make more informed choices in how I live, learn, and advocate for sustainability.”
Bridgit DeGroat, Fairfield University
AIFS Abroad in Sydney, Australia | Study Abroad Program
Major: Finance | Minor: Environmental Studies
What does it mean to you to be a Green Ambassador?
“To me, a Green Ambassador is someone who leads by example in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.”
How will this experience abroad tie back into your everyday life after you return from your program?
“This experience abroad will broaden my perspective on environmental challenges and motivate me to share what I’ve learned while bringing new ideas to my local community.”
In response to the overwhelming global climate crisis, AIFS Abroad has made sustainability a key priority when considering organizational, operational, and programming decisions. We understand that the only way to effectively combat this crisis and mitigate the effects of climate change is to drastically reduce our environmental impact. Therefore, we’ve committed to reaching carbon neutrality.
Our Green Initiative has three pillars:
- Green Business that includes auditing our own business practices and our program partners to reduce our consumption of finite resources and limiting our carbon footprint.
- Sustainability Education for both our program participants, through onsite engagement with local environmental projects, and within our industry as a leader in our field.
- Offsetting Carbon Emissions by purchasing verified carbon credits for all our program participants round trip flights to their program location.