This STEER program, hosted in the Global Studies programme, is part of a unique trilateral learning initiative with Cornell University (USA) and Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Ecuador. Prior to the 10-day trip to Ecuador, students will prepare for the trip by enrolling in GL2103 run by Dr George Radics in January 2027.  The course will provide students with the opportunity to get academic credit for their work over the semester and will allow them to explore their research topics in detail.

NUS students will work with Cornell and USFQ students in groups to produce a policy brief, shared field notes and a research poster which present the policies and progress made towards the respective SDGs selected by the student groups. There will be five groups of students and faculty members will be pre-assigning students to these groups:

Group 1: Education, Equity & Social Cohesion (focus on SDG 4: Quality Education)
Group 2: Heritage, Public Space & Sustainable Cities (focus on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Group 3: Food Systems, Agriculture & Development (focus on SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
Group 4: Climate Resilience, Place & Everyday Life (focus on SDG 13: Climate Action)
Group 5: Waste, Circularity & Responsible Production (focus on SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).

During recess week, students will travel to Ecuador with Dr Radics and Dr Swaroopa Lahiri. There NUS students will have the opportunity to connect with their USFQ peers, learn about their educational experiences, and explore United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the Ecuadorian context through field visits to local community projects, a reforestation initiative, a cloud forest station, and the Interpretation Center in the Galápagos Islands. Alongside these academic engagements, students had an immersive experience in Ecuador’s rich ecosphere through hikes, hot spring visit, and snorkeling adventures.  Learn more about the February 2026 Ecuador trip here.

Program Details and Deadlines

• Cost: $4,450 (exclusing airfare).  After the STEER subsidy, the cost is $2,950.  You may also use your Opportunities Enhancement Grant (OEG) and Post-Secondary Education Account (PSEA)
• Deadline to apply is 20 November 2026 by 11:59pm.  10-minute online interviews will be conducted from 11-12 December.  Offers will be made after December 15.  Only 20 students will be selected.
• Students will enroll in GL2103 in semester 2, AY2026/2027 and travel to Ecuador from February 21-March 3rd.
• Click here for a recording of the information session held on October 26th at 12:00pm.  Passcode: LQfR9!56
• If you have questions feel free to email Dr Radics and Dr Lahiri.  Students for last year's trip Ray (@Popodoo) and Sarranya (@kadavalae) are also available to answer questions over Telegram.

APPLICATION DETAILS

• Applications will open on November 1st and should be submitted on EduRec (EduRec ID: 04141) + you should email your statement and academic transcript to Dr Lahiri (slahiri@nus.edu.sg) and Dr Radics (socrgb@nus.edu.sg)
• Application: Short statement of 500 words on why you are a good fit for the program.
• Deadline: Friday, November 20, 11.59 pm

Timeline after application submission: