Synergistic Sustainability: Integrating Inner Development Goals into Experiential Education in Brazil

This chapter examines the pedagogical efficacy of integrating the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework within a short-term, experiential study abroad program conducted by Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) in partnership with Brazilian Experience (BE) in Brazil, Spring 2024. The aims of the program are twofold: 1) to cultivate student competencies in sustainability and conservation through immersive, hands-on experiences, while 2) simultaneously fostering personal growth through structured reflection and application of the IDGs. While the aims of this program seem lofty, we feel the goals of a study abroad should be high to offset the environmental impacts of any travel. This analysis critically evaluates the program's design, implementation, and outcomes, demonstrating the potential of integrating IDGs into experiential education to enhance student development and promote global citizenship. Student comments collected at the end of the study abroad program capture the deep change accomplished by structuring a short-term program from the ground up, centred on the IDGs.