We take our commitment to social responsibility seriously. Most people act considerately & responsibly. We believe that companies should too.
TUI Student Travel Sustainable Development Initiatives
StudentCity and GradCity are proud to be a part of the BeCause Campaign- TUI Student Travel's nationwide effort to promote, encourage and educate their employees, vendors and customers about sustainable development practices. To further support this initiative, we've incorporated energy saving practices and recycling efforts into every one of our offices.
What is Sustainable Development?
“Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future of generations to meet their own needs... ” ― World Commission on Environment and Development
“Sustainable Development is central to the way we run and manage TUI Travel.” ― Peter Long, Chief Executive of TUI Travel PLC
How can you help?
- Support Fair Trade Buy handmade crafts (those are usually the coolest souvenirs anyway). Use local guides (if in a large group) to visit places off the beaten path. Dine in locally-owned establishments to get an authentic taste of the country you're visiting.
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Use public transportation, bike or walk.
- Conserve Resources Turn off lights when you leave your room and use water sparingly.
- Recycle Check to see if your hotel recycles paper, plastic or aluminum and dispose of your containers appropriately.
DIF Project in Cancun
DIF project Based out of Cancun, Mexico, DIF is a non-profit organization that runs a shelter for abused, abandoned and disabled children.
In March 2009, a team of volunteers from StudentCity, the cast of MTV's Real World: Cancun, and Pat O'Brien's (a popular restaurant and nightclub in Cancun) worked to raise money for a local DIF shelter. The team set up a Mardi Gras themed fundraiser and Pat O'Brien's matched the total funds raised, which resulted in over $10,000 for DIF.
StudentCity and MTV's The Real World cast members used the funds to shop for toys, books, and much-needed appliances for the shelter. On April 1, 2009, StudentCity and Pat O'Brien's presented a check for $2,585 as well as items valued at over $7,000 to the children. MTV Real World Cancun episode 8 “Settling DIF-rences” captured the StudentCity staff and Real World roommates' presentation of the gifts as well as their moving interaction with the DIF children. The team was moved to see the childrens' excitement as they received their new items with overwhelming gratitude.
If you'd like more information about DIF, please visit their website.
(NEET) Negril Education Environment Trust
Based out of Negril, Jamaica, NEET is a non-profit organization based at Travellers Beach Resort, StudentCity's Headquarter Hotel in Jamaica. In 2003, the organization was founded to address the country's need for educational support and resources. Since its inception, NEET's mission and vision have grown.
Today, NEET is committed to strengthening the social fabric of Jamaica through programs that expand educational access for children and adults, partnerships that address our public and environmental health and events and activities that celebrate Jamaica's rich heritage. NEET achieves its mission through the provision of three programs, Island-wide Book & Computer Distribution, Computer Literacy, and the Medical Mission.
Buy-A-Brick Campaign
The buy-a-brick campaign began a few years ago as part of “Soul Rebellion,” an event in which spring breakers interact with the community as part of a cultural exchange. During this time StudentCity spring breakers and others purchased bricks that went toward building a library and toilets at St. Paul's Primary School. N.E.E.T now intends to continue building libraries throughout each school year for those schools experiencing similar conditions as St. Paul's. Additionally, the buy-a-brick program recently assisted in building a canteen for Ferris Primary School.
To see how you can help NEET complete its mission, visit their website.
Greeks Give Back Program
Currently, all nationally recognized greek organizations at American universities are required to participate in a philanthropic event or program that either assists in local or national charity funds or raises awareness.
Because many of our travelers are affiliated with Greek organizations, StudentCity gives a charitable donation to each and every fraternity or sorority that chooses to participate in the Greeks Give Back program.