Project Amazonas - Summer 2013
After all the perspective I gained and fun I had during my first study abroad experience, I knew I had to participate in at least one more before I graduated. However, this time I chose a very unique program offered that focused on service-learning on a biological research station in the northern Peruvian Amazon. During the study abroad, my colleagues and I participated in the execution of community-based participatory research. It was very challenging for me, as it was my first time conducting this type of research. However, this experience ended up being one of the most rewarding I have ever participated in. I felt a sense of unity with the community, as we worked together to find ways to protect the resources in their environment and the health of their people. This experience taught me so much about the importance of grassroots movements and all that it takes to organize field research projects. You can read more about the field research we conducted in the document below:
This study abroad program presented my colleagues with many challenges. We had to adapt to a completely new way of living in a place where there was barely any civil development. We did not have cell phone access to contact our friends and families back home. However, we were surrounded by beautiful, pristine nature and eachother. I learned to appreciate the simple things in life, like conversation and nature-walks. This experience truly reshaped my character and I returned much humility and reverence for life and all living things. Here are some photos:
