This summer, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) launched the Global Terps for a Greener Future (GTGF) initiative, a year-long project that empowers UMD students to strengthen intercultural competence while advancing sustainability in international education. Supported by a grant from the Office of Sustainability, the project began with the dedicated work of two interns: Abigail Vanasse ‘27, an information science major and sustainability studies minor, and Mikhil Choda ‘28, a computer science major.
Over eight weeks, Abigail and Mikhil partnered with ISSS’ Engagement and Inclusion team to research global models of university sustainability and lay the foundation for meaningful, lasting practices at UMD and beyond. They identified common sustainability values, highlighted areas where UMD leads internationally—such as progress toward carbon neutrality—and drafted recommendations to guide future environmental stewardship. The interns also developed educational resources to engage both international students and the broader UMD community.
Abigail led a waste management presentation during International Student Orientation, introducing hundreds of new students to UMD’s waste, recycling and compost systems. They also created a hands-on waste sorting activity as an education tool that reached more than 200 students, ensuring sustainability literacy begins on day one of a student’s journey. Meanwhile, Mikhil focused on digital engagement. He developed a social media campaign for the fall semester, designed promotional materials, and applied his technical skills to encourage students to get involved in campus sustainability efforts.
By the end of the summer, Abigail and Mikhil had advanced plans for a sustainability literacy campaign and offered recommendations for reducing waste at large international education events. Their contributions emphasized volunteer engagement, community collaboration, and environmental stewardship as core values for Maryland Global. The summer interns' contributions mark a crucial first step in reimagining international education as a pillar of a sustainable future for all.
Looking ahead, the work they started will continue to grow. This fall, ISSS will recruit a cohort of 20 students to join the Global Terps for a Greener Future Collective. Together, this interdisciplinary and intercultural group will scale the interns’ work, lead new sustainability initiatives, and carry the program forward throughout the academic year.