AZI set to launch new sustainability initiative during International Education Week

Today
Rikki Mioduski, Arizona International

Donate your power converters and adapters to support Global Wildcats

Aerial view of the University of Arizona campus at sunrise, with palm-lined streets, red brick buildings, and lush green trees. The morning light casts long shadows across the Main Mall, with mountains visible in the background under a bright sky.

As part of International Education Week, Arizona International (AZI) is proud to announce the launch of the Adapter Exchange Program, a new campus-wide initiative focused on accessibility, sustainability, and global connection. This ongoing effort invites faculty, staff, and students to donate used and unused outlet converters and adapters to support both international students arriving on campus and Wildcats preparing to study abroad, while promoting sustainability across our global community.

Each year, hundreds of international students arrive at the University of Arizona with devices that require different plug types. At the same time, students returning from study abroad programs often bring home converters they no longer need. By collecting and redistributing these adapters, Arizona International aims to create a simple but meaningful way to support both incoming international students and outgoing study abroad travelers.

“Many students arrive in the U.S. after long international flights, only to realize they can’t charge their phones or laptops right away,” said International Student Specialist Fátima Ramos. “Something as small as not having the right adapter can mean not being able to contact family or let them know they’ve arrived safely. The Adapter Exchange Program helps remove that stress and keeps students connected from the very first day.”

How It Works
A smartphone charging through a USB cable connected to a power strip with multiple plug adapters on a wooden floor.

Beginning November 17, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to drop off outlet converters and adapters at the International Student Services Office in the Global Center (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). Collection will continue throughout the academic year.

The initiative also encourages Study Abroad students to give back when they return home. Donating their converters helps support future Wildcats heading abroad, keeping the cycle of global exchange going long after their program ends.

“We know many people have converters tucked away in drawers from past trips,” said Study Abroad Curriculum Integration Manager Mariah Nunes. “Donating them is a simple, sustainable way to support our Global Wildcats — whether they’re arriving from across the world or preparing to study in a new country.”

Coming Spring 2026: A New Distribution System

AZI will begin setting up a distribution system in Spring 2026 to ensure that the collected converters are made readily available to students who need them. Both international students arriving on campus and outgoing study abroad students preparing for their programs will be able to receive converters through a simple, organized process.

This system is designed to ensure equitable, efficient, and environmentally responsible access, ensuring that donated converters go directly to the students who can benefit from them most. More details will be available in the Spring.

Drop-off location:
📍 International Student Services Office, Global Center Room 120
🕗 Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
For questions, please contact studyabroad@arizona.edu.