IntroductioN: Navigating the Complexity of Carbon Onsetting for study abroad

We recognize that determining the right investment for carbon onsetting is a challenging process. With so many variables—differences in travel distances, program types, carbon costs and institutional priorities—it can feel overwhelming to quantify impact in a fair and meaningful way. However, this challenge is precisely why this process is so important. By working through it, institutions take a critical step toward environmental and social responsibility in education abroad and other international travel sponsored by colleges and universities.

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This page is designed to help create a formula and common language for assessing the environmental and social costs associated with study abroad and institution-sponsored international travel. Our goal is not to impose a one-size-fits-all solution but rather to offer a structured approach that allows each institution to determine its values and commitments while ensuring transparency and impact.

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Even though this process takes time, we encourage you to stay motivated. Every effort made toward balancing the impact of global education with investment in restoration and climate justice moves us closer to a more sustainable and equitable future.

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For those who need to save time, feel free to jump ahead to our

Carbon Onsetting Proposal Request Form.

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Step 1: Understand Your Institution’s Impact & Responsibility

Before selecting a Carbon Onsetting plan, take some time to explore the carbon market, carbon offsets, and the environmental impact of international travel—specifically the footprint of study abroad and institutionally sponsored travel programs. Understanding these factors will help your institution make an informed decision about balancing its carbon footprint with meaningful investment in climate justice and environmental restoration.

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Where to Begin Your Research? You can conduct your own research online or click here o read key insights and research bullet points that we believe are essential.

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Key Considerations:

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• Study abroad increases environmental and social impact. While international flights account for most emissions, additional factors—such as domestic travel, internal flights, and other carbon-emitting activities—increase the overall footprint. (For example, students on long-term programs in Europe often travel extensively between countries, while certain short-term programs include multiple internal flights.)

• The formula below is an estimation tool, not the only approach. While we provide a structured way to calculate emissions, we are happy to customize a Carbon Onsetting program tailored to your institution’s specific needs—whether or not it is based on quantified carbon emissions.

• Carbon pricing is flexible. Each institution must determine how they will value a metric ton of carbon, as the voluntary carbon market has no fixed price and varies significantly.

• Carbon footprint is not the only impact. While measuring emissions is a practical approach, the effects of international travel extend beyond carbon. Study abroad can contribute to biodiversity loss and cultural homogenization—issues that directly impact climate justice but are nearly impossible to quantify. We acknowledge these broader impacts but focus on what can be measured while encouraging deeper reflection on global responsibility.

• This process takes time, but it’s worth it. Depending on the level of detail, estimating your institution’s impact can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. Do what you can, and if needed, you can skip ahead to the Proposal Request form at any time.

• The complexity of this work can feel overwhelming, but doing nothing is not an option.​​​

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Step 2: Estimate the Carbon Impact of Study Abroad (and other travel)

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Institutions can estimate their study abroad carbon footprint using different approaches. If you prefer a simplified method, research suggests an average emission of 3–6 metric tons per student per semester. For a more detailed analysis, you can [review key research insights here].

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Suggested Calculation Method:

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1. Identify the number of students, faculty, and staff participating in each program type (e.g., long-term, short-term, faculty-led travel).

2. Assign an estimated carbon impact per student/traveler based on program duration and travel intensity:

   • 3 to 4 metric tons → Short-term programs

   • 4 to 5 metric tons → Semester-long programs with limited travel

   • 5 to 6 metric tons → Semester-long programs with high travel frequency

   • Important Notes:

     • These estimates are conservative. They likely underestimate the actual carbon impact of study abroad programs.

     • Long-distance programs have an even higher impact. If your institution sends many students to East Asia, Australia, Southern/Eastern Africa, South Asia, or other far-reaching destinations, these estimates significantly underrepresent emissions.

     • This calculation only measures environmental impact. The social impact of carbon emissions is equally important—read more here.

3. Multiply the number of travelers by the assigned metric tons to estimate total emissions.​​

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Example Calculations:

• Example 1 measures 120 students doing short-term programs averaged at 3 metric tons.

• Example 2 measures 100 students doing semester-long programs with low program-related travel averaged at 4 metric tons.

• Example 3 measures 50 students doing semester-long programs with high program-related travel averaged at 5 metric tons.

• Example 4 measures 200 students on semester-long study abroad programs without differentiating impact averaged at 5 metric tons.

• Example 5 measures 500 students studying or traveling internationally (combining short and long-term) at with one carbon-price averaged at 4 metric tons.