Serving as a reference for one of our study abroad applicants?

First of all, thank you for taking to the time to tell us a little bit more about our future student. The CELL Study Abroad Program is a unique experience, and we want to make sure it will be a good fit.

Some info about CELL

The Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL) is a nonprofit educational organization inspiring students (our future leaders) to bring creative, systemic solutions and environmental stewardship to their individual lives and leadership positions. The world has great need of people who not only understand what sustainability is all about, but who are committed to making a difference in the world. Leadership and action are at the heart of what CELL is all about.

Some info about our Study Abroad Programs

Each course syllabus is evaluated by Lesley University, Northland College, or Paul Smith’s College faculty with expertise in the area of study, and reviewed and approved by their Provosts. Students from Northland and Paul Smith’s colleges receive credit through their home institution. Students from other colleges receive credit through Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. CELL works closely with Lesley, Northland, and Paul Smith’s to create college-level courses that will challenge our students to think imaginatively, while focusing on proactive solutions to local and global problems. CELL’s Study Abroad Programs and courses are interdisciplinary and provide students with the optimum amount of flexibility when transferring credits. We believe the issues of sustainability are not only applicable to all disciplines of learning, but will also require an interdisciplinary approach to solve. Coursework is offered at a third-year (junior) level, but is open to all college students. Academic work consists of thought-provoking  readings, lectures, discussions, guest speakers, field experiences, research and service projects, community meetings, and reflective journals. These challenging learning activities allow students to critically analyze and reflect on what they are learning throughout their CELL program.

Your role as a reference

There are two ways to submit your reference.

In your reference letter, please address the following:

  • Student’s academic performance
  • Student’s ability to perform well in a small intentional community building atmosphere
  • Student’s service or intercultural experience
  • The greatest gift this student would bring to the program
  • Student’s interest in sustainability
  • Any other aspects of character relevant to this kind of study abroad experience

Thanks again for serving as a reference.