“It was important for me to go abroad because I wanted to learn about environmental problems from other countries' perspectives and compare their approach to the United States. I also wanted to experience new cultures, histories and cuisines. One of the most impactful parts was learning about the history of Aboriginal people in Australia, which isn’t widely known or taught in the U.S.,” reflected food, agricultural and biological engineering major Emily Dempsey on the Australia: Human Impacts on the Natural Environment program.
This three-week experiential program led by the School of Environment and Natural Resources explores the relationship between human and natural systems through the lens of environmental sustainability.
“Being surrounded by the beautiful scenery and unique wildlife of Australia made my experience unforgettable. I loved being able to learn about ecosystems in the classroom and then directly apply that knowledge by visiting them in person. Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef was one of my favorite activities because, in addition to all the coral, I got to see sea turtles, sharks, squids, giant clams and more!”
Students explore Queensland, Australia, which is home to lush tropical rainforests, dry woodlands, arid deserts and the spectacular marine diversity of the Great Barrier Reef.
“I learned that I thrive learning outside of a classroom because I gain a better understanding and higher retention of information. It also taught me that in addition to the science side of environmental science, I am also interested in the education side as well. This experience also inspired me to make more changes in my daily life to make a larger difference,” said Dempsey.
“This study abroad experience gave me a great foundation on issues such as habitat loss, coral bleaching, landslides, and invasive species, which will be helpful for ecological engineering. Learning more about sustainable energy alternatives will be helpful to understand, as I am interested in developing more environmentally friendly solutions. Additionally, it opened my eyes to new career paths like ecotourism, where I could help design spaces that allow tourists to experience nature while protecting the wildlife and ecosystems around them.”