[Created Oct. 31, 2016]
I am applying for the Conservation Ecology of a Caribbean Island course and travel component to Panama. As an Ocean Studies and Marine Affairs major, the impacts of humans on ecosystem services along with ocean and coastal management is of extreme importance and interest to me. This would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to apply knowledge from my previous studies into an ecosystem far outside the Gulf of Maine and in a country with different regulations than the USA. A travel course would not only strengthen my understanding of my field in a more global sense, but also better prepare me for a real life application of my field. As a student I hope to gain the greatest understanding of biodiversity and system management as I can, before leaving for a career path or graduate school. Expanding my horizons beyond the Gulf of Maine will allow me to round out my personal knowledge. As a candidate for either a career or graduate school, having traveled and studied another coastal ecosystem, will help show that I can apply my previous studies to a larger range of environmental concern in a competitive field. I hope to explore as many different ecosystems as I can before they are threated and potentially change to altered states from global climate change and human impact.
As part of the travel component for this course, traveling to Panama and more specifically the Boca del Toros area, I would hope to be a good representative of the UNE community and a respectful steward towards the Panama ecosystem and culture. Part of being a visitor in another country is being aware of the country’s history, customs, and culture. For example, in Panama extended family is of more importance than in the US. Multigenerational homes are not uncommon, and grandparents are highly respected. Among the country’s cultural norms are personal hygiene and a neat appearance, along with respectful attire. These are all aspects of the country that I would take into consideration as I was preparing to travel abroad.
I believe the best way to promote studying abroad is by sharing your own experience with others. Even with all of the advertising and information nights that I’ve attended for study abroad and travel courses, it wasn’t until I began talking with other students that really convinced me to pursue some form of travel in my education. To promote global education after experiencing a semester class integrated with a travel opportunity, I’d love to be able to share that experience with others debating travel themselves. Getting involved in RA study abroad programs, informational nights, and one on one talks I think are great ways to promote traveling for college studies.
One of the biggest considerations I’ve made before applying to travel abroad is financing my travels. While doing a full semester study abroad course would be equal to my payments for studying in Maine, I knew I wasn’t ready to spend a whole semester away from the UNE community I’ve come to be a part of, along with my family. Financing an additional couple grand in costs above tuition and board for a travel course though has made me weary of applying for a travel course. I’ve come to the conclusion that this is an opportunity worth finding a way for though. I hope, in applying for scholarship along with my own budgeting and work I will be able to pursue this chance to enhance my education on a global scale.
