Belém, Brazil

United Nations COP 30: The Global Politics of Climate Change

Belém, Brazil

FALL 2025

Option 1: Week of November 10

Option 2: Week of November 17

*dates subject to change

Program Description

This distinctive study abroad course offers John Jay College students the rare opportunity to engage directly with the global effort to confront climate change at the United Nations’ annual climate summit, the Conference of the Parties (COP). Designed to immerse students in the historic negotiations among hundreds of nations and territories, the program culminates in travel to COP 30 in Belém, Brazil toward the conclusion of a fall semester course. Through this experience, students will receive advanced training in the international politics of climate change.

This hands-on course bridges classroom learning with professional experiences in environmental justice and sustainability, guiding students to integrate academic theory with real-world action. Centered on the interplay between coursework, mentorship from professionals in residence, and structured engagement at a placement site, the course fosters both intellectual growth and career development. Students are expected to participate consistently in class, complete ongoing written assignments, and deliver a culminating presentation and project. A key component of the course is a one-week study abroad program in Belém, Brazil, during COP 30.

Please note: Students can choose to attend COP during the first week (starting Nov. 10) or the second (starting Nov. 17).

Information Sessions

Information sessions for November 2025 have passed. Stay tuned as we develop next year's COP 31 program.

Academics

EJS 277 - Introduction to Experiential Learning: Environmental Justice (3 credits)

This course equips students to critically analyze climate politics and justice through interdisciplinary frameworks, with particular attention to global inequities and international negotiations. Emphasizing the integration of academic learning with experiential opportunities—such as guided placements, professional mentoring, and engagement with COP30—it fosters connections between theory and practice in environmental justice and sustainability. Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives needed to evaluate climate action, communicate effectively, and navigate professional pathways in this field.

Prerequisites

1. Students MUST be registered for EJS 277 (Fall 2025)
2. Minimum 2.5 GPA required
3. ENG 101
4. Portuguese skills are a plus, but not required

Application

You can access and start your application here.

The application deadline has passed. However, students who are registered for EJS 277 may still apply.

Please note: An application fee of $50.00 is due at the time of application. It can be paid by debit or credit card. Money orders, personal checks and cash are also accepted. Applications will not be accepted if incomplete.

 Program Cost

Estimated Program Fee: $2,610**                                                                                  
**Subject to change. Includes housing, breakfast and dinner, administrative costs, and CISI international health insurance. The program fee does NOT include tuition for EJS 277, airfare, ground travel, lunches, personal expenses, personal trips, etc.

Program Cost Breakdown

JJC Tuition and Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students should make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office, at their home College, to discuss the applicability of their financial aid to this program. 

More information on scholarships and funding can be found on our Study Abroad Funding page.

JJC students can contact Michael Scaduto for more information regarding the JJSAS, and general scholarship opportunities, at 212-237-8872 or email at mscaduto@jjay.cuny.edu.

Program Notes

• Housing: Students will stay will stay with vetted host families through Campus B.
• Fluctuating exchange rates and other fees may lead to program cost changes.
• Program cost is based on a minimum number of participants for the program.
• Students should discuss applicability of financial aid with the Financial Aid office.
• All CUNY students must meet with their study abroad advisor to be sure the proper e-Permit registration process is followed.
• All non-CUNY students are encouraged to apply early, to be sure there is ample time to apply and register for classes at John Jay College. Please contact OISP for more information regarding the application process. Please note: Tuition rate per credit is different for non-CUNY students. More tuition information can be found here.
• Refund Policy: Payment of the program deposit indicates the student understands and agrees to the Office of International Studies & Program’s payment and refund policies.  Students who withdraw from a John Jay College program after confirming participation, but before the program begins, will lose the non-refundable deposit and any unrecoverable costs: students will be refunded 50 percent of program fees 30 days prior to the program start date, and 25 percent of program fees 14 days prior to the program start date. After the start of the program, no refunds will be provided, and the student is responsible for all program fees. If the program fee is not paid in full, there will be a hold placed on her/his CUNYfirst account.
• For faculty-led programs, tuition refunds will be granted following the College’s policies.  For more information, click here.
• College-based funders retain the right to recoup funds from the student account if the student does not follow rules of the CUNY Travel Waiver & Release Form, uses the funds for other purposes, or withdraws from the program. Students must understand that they are responsible for full payment of the amount owed to the department.
• The Office of International Studies and Programs (OISP) has the right to modify or cancel the program, including  changes to the program dates, costs, scheduled visits, program itinerary, etc., as dictated by economic and/or political situations, etc.
• Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare, and for their itinerary. Due to possible changes in program dates/itinerary information, students are not to purchase airfare until prompted by OISP.
• Students are encouraged to apply early, due to limited space.
• Information is tentative, and subject to change, **program cost(s), syllabi, *dates, etc.

For More Information

Academic information and questions:

Prof. LaDawn Haglund, Department of Environmental Justice and Political Science
lhaglund@jjay.cuny.edu

Study abroad information and questions:

Mayra Nieves, Senior Director
mnieves@jjay.cuny.edu

Ken Yanes, Dep. Director
212-484-1339, kyanes@jjay.cuny.edu

Daniel Braslavsky, Study Abroad Coordinator
212-887-6105, dbraslavsky@jjay.cuny.edu

studyabroad@jjay.cuny.edu 
212-484-1390 

Office Location:
524 West 59th Street
New York, NY 10019
Haaren Hall, Suite 410