Fit.Green.Happy. Travel Programs

Fit.Green.Happy

What are Fit.Green.Happy. Travel Programs?

Fit.Green.Happy. is a program developed by Mountain Challenge on the Maryville College campus that focuses on improving the fitness of the Maryville College community; getting people outdoors; contributing to environmental sustainability; and fostering happiness.  In addition to the academic, vocational, intercultural and personal benefits that can be obtained from traveling abroad, we believe that travel offers and opportunity to contribute to the goals of this program.

What We Want

All of our Maryville College Travel Study Programs meet the goals of the Fit.Green.Happy. program.  We aim for each individual MC Scot Abroad to commit to Sustainable Travel Practices while on education abroad programs.  

What We’re Doing

Fit.Green.Happy. Travel Programs (and individuals) meet the following requirements:

  • A minimum of 3 hours of intentional activity per week.
  • A minimum of 3 hours outdoors a week
  • Intentional Environmental Actions  (see how a program in Ecuador focused on this)
  • Participants complete a pre and post happiness inventory

What do Participants Get?

Participants get credit for their program AND the body of evidence shows direct benefits to participating in exercise and being outdoors.  

All of our faculty-led Travel Study Programs are committed to being Fit.Green.Happy Travel Programs

Learn more about our Sustainable Travel Practices

Current Programs with Sustainability Related Content:

SUS 249: In Search of Hygge Through Design and Sustainability in Scandinavia [CD] May 2024

EXS/HWP/OST/INT 249 Costa Rica Blue Zones & Health: Longevity of People & Planet (CD) (GL+) (CE) Spring Break 2025

REL/PHL 249 Religion, Culture & Society in Thailand May 2025

 

 

 

Below are some of our education abroad programs that we think cover topics or ideas related to Fit.Green.Happy.

What do we want from students who go on these programs (in addition to what they offer)? See above – a commitment to be active, outdoors and to be intentional about environmental actions!

 Summer program in Florence, Italy (CISabroad) – HAPPY/FIT
  • Department of Happiness Courses: Health and Fitness in the Mediterranean, Wanderlust: The Physical and Emotional Art of Walking
Summer Study/Intern Program in Costa Rica (CEA Study Abroad) – GREEN
  • Environmental Studies/Science and Sustainability Coursework and Internships
  • Health Sciences (including Wellness)  Coursework and Internships
  • Variety of durations and credit options (1-3 courses, 4-8 weeks)
  • Sample courses
Summer Study Abroad – Sevilla, Spain (CEA Study Abroad) – FIT/HAPPY
  • $4,595 (summer 2019)
  • 4 weeks in June, 3 credits
  • Apartment or Homestay
  • Exercise & Sport Science Coursework:
    • Sports Nutrition & Mediterranean Diet
    • Sport Psychology
Summer Study Abroad in Galway, Ireland (CEA Study Abroad)  – GREEN
  • Ecology: Living Landscapes of Connemara and Joyce Country
  • Focus on ecology, conservation and sustainability
  • 3 credits, 2 weeks in June
  • $3,395 (summer 2019)  – housing included (and some meals)
Summer in Limerick, Ireland (CISabroad) – FIT
  • 1 course, 3 credits
  • $5250 (summer 2019) 4 weeks
  • Course: Active Body, Active Mind: In this module you will learn to examine the application of psychological strategies, concepts and theories in exercise and physical activity settings. Additionally, you will identify and seek to address the underlying mechanisms for behavior change (i.e., increased physical activity) so that interventions that can be disseminated and make a real and lasting difference.  On completing this module, you will have developed an understanding of interventions and initiatives that increase and maintain physical activity involvement and also you will be able to conduct a needs assessment with respect to your own lifestyle behaviors using a variety of methods.
SUMMER ON THE ITALIAN COAST – SORRENTO, ITALY (CISABROAD)
  • 3 credits, 4 weeks
  • $5190+
  • Courses:
    • Sustainability SUST 335
    • Special Topics: Marine Conservation MSC 430 
    • International tourism (4 credits) JU 330