Global Sustainability Practicum

The global sustainability practicum is a unique opportunity for students to hone their skills and gain valuable experience in advancing the work and enhancing the capacity of client organizations in an international setting. During the course, students take on the role of consultants who are tackling tangible challenges on behalf of their clients. The course is designed to equip students with practical project management skills as well as subject matter expertise in sustainability and development. This course offers excellent preparation for sustainability and global development practice consulting capstones, providing additional opportunities for students to work in teams and in an international setting. This course focuses on developing practical skills that are valued by today's employers, enhancing analytical skills and interdisciplinary problem-solving abilities, fostering teamwork and leadership skills, cultivating cross-cultural competence and adaptability, and strengthening professional communication skills.

The course includes an international immersion experience in Spain from September 27-October 5, 2026, in the city of Madrid and the autonomous community of Galicia. Students should not have other work or study commitments during this period. This portion of the course is dedicated to engaging directly with the clients and other stakeholders in the project delivery environment. We kick things off in Madrid, a global hub for sustainable urban and business innovation, before heading to Galicia to work hand-in-hand with local clients. Expect deep immersion, high impact, and unforgettable fieldwork with the consulting clients for the remainder of the stay. We are partnering with the Barcelona Urban Research Institute (IDRA) to deliver this innovative masters course. Educational programs are conducted in English. No prior knowledge or fluency in Spanish or Gallego is required.

Students are housed in various hotels in Madrid and Galicia. Students with documented disabilities should contact the Accessibility Services Office no later than two weeks before the course begins.

In addition to completing all required assignments for the course, students must attend the entire immersive experience in Spain to pass the course (you cannot arrive late or leave early). Harvard Extension School (HES) fall term registration, drop, and withdrawal deadlines apply to ENVR E-300. See the calendar. If students drop the course, HES will refund tuition payment according to standard refund policy. HES is not responsible for payments made to IDRA, travel, or other expenses that students may incur.

In addition to the course tuition, students are responsible for: Approximately $2,800 (2,400 euros) paid to IDRA. This covers lodging, ground transportation, breakfasts, Spanish support staff, client and translation support, logistics support, and educational fees. Note that up to 30 days before the program starts on September 27 (that is, before August 28), a student withdrawing from the course may have their prepaid fee to IDRA reimbursed less a $250 nonrefundable deposit and credit card processing fees (students work directly with IDRA on refund requests; refunds are not automatic based upon HES course withdrawal). However, cancellations within 30 days of the start date are not refundable. US health insurance that provides coverage outside the United States if you are from the US. Transportation to Madrid, Spain, and return travel to your home location. Miscellaneous costs such as some meals, tourist activities, and shopping. The cost of passports and visas (if the latter is needed).

The IDRA program fee is due on August 10, 2026. If you neglect to register with IDRA, pay their separate deposit, or miss their deadlines, you will be dropped from the course. Students are required to register with Harvard's Global Support Services (GSS) and complete the Harvard Assumption of Risk and General Release form prior to travel. If you do not register with GSS and complete the release form, you will be dropped from the course.