A unique opportunity to experience one of the most sustainable countries in the world, students will take a three-day tour on an electric powered bus that is powered by renewable energy with an expert tour guide while experiencing first-hand large- and small-scale hydroelectric power plants, biomass power plants, a wind turbine, district heating, various solar technologies, super-efficient buildings, electric vehicle use, and/or a district heating. Cultural experiences include a mountaintop Swiss farm dinner, hiking near and touching a glacier, a Swiss cookie factory, and a cheese factory. Students will also explore a carbon-neutral hostel in Interlaken, and spend time in picturesque mountain villages such as Wengen. They will have the opportunity to discuss Zurich’s plan to be energy sufficient by 2050 with an energy expert, and tour energy research facilities at the Paul Scherrer Institute near Zurich.
Online coursework will be completed prior to travel dates. Coursework includes foundational information of renewable and non-renewable energy technologies. Upon completion of the online course, students will have a strong grasp of pros and cons of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency technologies, and energy policy.
Trip includes: Lucerne, Interlaken, Wengen, Zurich, Switzerland
May 30 - June 10, 2015
Cost: $3,550
For more info, please contact Haley Sankey at hjs142@psu.edu.