Global Terps for a Greener Future
The Global Terps for a Greener Future (GTGF) is a multidisciplinary co-curricular program that engages students through intercultural exchanges on campus. Our mission is to address both local and global sustainability challenges. This program provides undergraduate and graduate students with the opportunity to promote sustainable practices within the international education sector, connect the UMD campus with sustainable projects and initiatives
worldwide, and collaborate with a diverse group of peers who share a commitment to making a positive impact. Join us in fostering a more sustainable future through innovation, collaboration, and global engagement.
If you're interested in joining the collective, please apply by filling out this form.
The Global Terps for a Greener Future Collective (GTGFC) is a student-led organization dedicated to advancing sustainability through global collaboration and education. The Collective connects undergraduate and graduate students to address pressing social and environmental challenges from a multidisciplinary and intercultural perspective. Members participate in meetings, projects, and research that promote sustainable practices in international education while developing leadership skills and a global outlook. By fostering dialogue and innovation, the GTGFC strives to build a more sustainable campus community and a healthier future for all.
What to Expect
- Bi-weekly collaborative meetings led by the GTGF interns to exchange ideas and prepare impactful action plans.
- Active involvement in ISSS campus events to promote sustainability on campus and in the broader global community.
- Opportunities for hands-on research that drives the Collective’s projects forward.
- Experience in event planning and execution from concept to completion.
- Membership in an interdisciplinary and intercultural student group committed to protecting our environment to improve the quality of life for all.
Learning Outcomes
- Refine leadership and project management skills
- Enhance intercultural competence
- Apply interdisciplinary sustainability knowledge
Participation Requirements
- Current UMD student status with a commitment to participate for the full academic year.
- Demonstrated interest in sustainability and intercultural collaboration.
- Willingness to actively engage in bi-weekly meetings, research, and event participation, contributing to team projects.
Are you a UMD undergraduate student interested in sustainability? ISSS is seeking applications for a paid 10-hour-per-week fall internship to support the Global Terps for a Greener Future program. The internship involves working closely with an intercultural team to assist with the program's projects. Interns will be responsible for recruiting volunteers for the Global Terps for a Greener Future Collective, organizing meeting sessions, and coordinating collaborations to deliver sustainability-focused initiatives. Additionally, interns will conduct research and manage social media marketing campaigns.
Internship Duration: 15-15 weeks, starting August 31, 2026
Minimum Qualifications:
- Current undergraduate student in any field (preference for sustainability, environment, technology, economy, education, communication, or related areas)
- Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
- Experience or interest in sustainability, environmental studies, and digital literacy.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while managing multiple projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and digital content creation.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to a collaborative work environment.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop project management and event planning skills.
- Enhance knowledge of sustainability practices and their intersection with international education.
- Gain intercultural awareness and communication skills.
- Strengthen leadership skills by performing peer-to-peer training.
- Develop digital content management and writing skills.
- Build teamwork and problem-solving skills in an intercultural working environment.
- Apply creative thinking to develop innovative ways to highlight sustainability efforts and engage the international community.
- Gain firsthand experience working within International Students & Scholars Services (ISSS) and university sustainability initiatives.
How to Apply: If you are ready to contribute to a greener future and enhance your sustainability and program management skills, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity! Please complete the application form by July 20, 2026.
Contact information: Dr. Rebeca Moreno, rmoreno@umd.edu
Global Sustainability Spring Fair Highlights
On May 1, 2026, ISSS and the Global Terps for a Greener Future Collective hosted the Sustainability Spring Fair, showcasing innovative projects from Terps across disciplines to promote sustainable communities worldwide. From engineering solutions to creative art, the event highlighted the inspiring efforts of undergraduate and graduate students driving change.
Special congratulations to Maureen Norah Nabulime, an international student from Uganda and PhD candidate in Environmental Science &Technology, for earning the Outstanding Project Award for her work, “Recovering Bioenergy from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)”.
This event was made possible thanks to the Sustainability Fund. We look forward to seeing you next year!
