| Undergraduate Study Abroad With GAI This page: Undergraduate Program in the Amazon RETURN HOME Yes, sign me up! Go to >> APPLICATION FORM |
| NSU Undergraduate Students Take to the Amazon This year, as you walk around the NSU campus and hear the words “weeds and seeds,” you won’t be listening to a conversation about gardening. You’ll be hearing students and faculty talking about NSU’s exciting programs in the Peruvian Amazon. Since 1999, students from NSU have traveled to Iquitos, Peru to participate in a series of unique workshops on medicinal plants and natural medicine, sustainable development, and the peoples and environment of the Amazon. While in the Amazon, students attend seminars at the Hospital de la Luz, the National Institute for Traditional Medicine (IMET) and the National University of the Peruvian Amazon’s Institute of Research (UNAP/IIAP). In addition, they attend sessions with internationally known shaman, Rossana Nascimento and participate in excursions to museums, marketplaces, the local zoo, and a nearby butterfly farm. A highlight of the program for students is a five-day journey down the Amazon River to visit tribes of Bora, Huitoto, and Yagua Indians and to lodge at the gallery of internationally renowned artist, Francisco Grippa. The program is hosted by the Global Awareness Institute, a Florida-based non-profit organization dedicated to developing medicinal plants of the Amazon as a sustainable industry. Founder, Dr. Barbara Brodman, Professor of Humanities at the NSU College of Arts and Sciences, explains that medicinal plants can provide the basis for a network of sustainable industries that will create jobs and income for residents of the region while, at the same time, teaching them that saving the rainforest is essential to their personal well-being now and for the future. Destroying the rainforest will eliminate those opportunities forever. “It is GAI’s mission as a non-profit organization –and my personal quest– to help prevent our reaching a point of no return in the next few years; an outcome that is all too probable if we don’t act now,” explains Brodman. “Once students have seen and experienced the rainforest, most of them become deeply committed to saving it,” states Brodman, “and that is the other side of our mission: to create a legion of young leaders and professionals worldwide whose values and visions reflect a genuine commitment to saving this beautiful planet of ours.” Prof/Escort Dean Arneson explains that “students who have participated in the program have developed a better understanding and a deeper appreciation of the culture of Peru. They realize how important the rainforest is to the environmental health of the world. …They enjoy the experience of being in a living laboratory and describe it as an educational experience that could never be duplicated in the classroom. The students describe that the experience they enjoy the most and will always remember is the warm and friendly people of Iquitos, and everyone claims they will come back someday to renew old friendships.” Past participant, Jackie Sauve, points out that “a trip to the Amazon to spend two weeks in the heart of the Peruvian rainforest is a once in a lifetime opportunity.... I now have a much deeper and profound appreciation for the rainforest and our planet as a whole. I understand the dire position that we as a population have put our planet in, and through this trip, I have learned several ways that I can help to improve our situation. I have made friends for life, I have made memories that I will cherish forever, and I hope many others will get the chance to experience the amazing adventure our group had this year.” Another student, Michelle Walker, points out that the experience is one that stays with students long after they return from Peru. “I am eager to share what I learned during my time in the jungle,” says Michelle. “Before I graduate in May, I will have written at least forty pages on my experiences and done a minimum of three separate presentations to three different audiences. Of course, I will also brag about my experiences to friends and family (and whoever else is willing to listen). Thank you for providing me with this amazing opportunity. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” For Professor Brodman, the motivation for these programs is simple: “Just when you think that hope is running out for the planet, you meet students like those we’ve hosted in the Amazon, and you rejoice.” The 6-credit, undergraduate study abroad experience will be offered in the first spring/ summer term of every year. Attendance at two on-campus orientation sessions is also required. Students will reside in the Amazon for two weeks. In addition to tuition, the fee for the study abroad experience is $2,500, which includes LIM-IQT air, all land travel, excursions, lodging, and most meals. For more information on this exciting, educational adventure, contact: Prof. Barbara Brodman, (954) 262-8205, Parker 301, or e-mail brodman@nova.edu. |
| Study Abroad Programs Menu Global Awareness Institute, a 501-c-3 organization Click for: Graduate Pharmacy Program in the Amazon This page: Undergraduate Program in the Amazon RETURN HOME Yes, Sign me up! >>> Get the APPLICATION FORM |
| NSU Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences Study Abroad Program HUMN 4900 – Special Topics in the Humanities: Development and Cultures of the Amazon/ 6 sem.hrs. On-campus orientation, plus a 2-week study abroad program in the Peruvian Amazon. Pre-requisite: one ARTS, HIST, HUMN, LITR, or PHIL course; COMP 2000, 2010, or 2020. Program of Study Development and Cultures of the Amazon is a cooperative program among the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences and the Global Awareness Institute, which hosts the study abroad internship in the Peruvian Amazon. While abroad, students reside near Iquitos, Peru, where they participate in a variety of on-going environmental, community service, and research projects sponsored by the Institute. Students are fully immersed in the bustling, pioneer spirit of Iquitos; the floating market culture of Belen; and the awe-inspiring Amazon rainforest. The program’s emphasis on immersing students in all aspects of sustainable development of the rainforest promotes the kind of direct involvement and cooperation that encourages students to see themselves as members of a hemispheric community and better prepares them for careers of the future Program Description This course provides the opportunity for "hands on" study in the rainforest of Peru. Students live on a jungle reserve, and travel to meet with scientists, shamans, artists and several Indian tribes of the Amazon, through which they gain a comprehensive insight into the culture and life of the Amazon rainforest. Classroom sessions at local universities and institutions focus on the study of indigenous plants and peoples of the Amazon and issues of sustainable development. The goal of the course is to involve and engage students on many levels in the process of exploring human and biological diversity and inter-connection. Program Location The program location is the Peruvian Amazon, one of the regions of the world with the greatest biological diversity. The region abounds with parks and reserves established to protect and preserve its flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Increasingly, conservation strategies incorporate local populations, so that they can become the principal defenders of their natural resources. The Global Awareness Institute’s GAI Selva reserve is a 92-acre peninsula located a half hour from Iquitos and direct flights to Miami. Selva in Spanish means forest. The GAI Selva reserve contains some of the area’s only remaining virgin rainforest and is home to numerous species of plant, animal, and insect life. Medicinal plant life abounds. The forest is home to monkeys, tapirs, capibaras, wild pigs, and jaguars. Tree tops abound with parrots and macaws of every color. Bizarre fish life fills the rivers. The facility hosts students and researchers, supports the planning and development of sustainable projects, and coordinates projects that benefit local economies. Student interns engage in a variety of activities that bring them together with local communities and with life on the Amazon. Program Costs The cost of the program is $2,500, plus tuition for HUMN 4900. Included are round trip airfare Lima-Iquitos, lodging and most meals at GAI’s jungle lodge near Iquitos, tuition for classes at IMET and IIAP in Peru, and all scheduled field trips. Not included are personal items and any unforeseen air price increases. Payment of Fees, excluding tuition. A nonrefundable $500.00 deposit is required with the application, which is due by February 15. A $1,000.00 payment (one half refundable before April 15) is due by March 15. Final payment of $1,000.00 is due by April 15. Students who do not qualify for the trip will receive half their deposit back. There will be no refund beyond April 15 for any reason, including illness. A late fee of $200 will be assessed for late payments. Financial Aid. Financial aid is available to the extent that it would be for any other undergraduate program of study at NSU. In addition, special scholarships for study abroad may be available. Applicants are encouraged to see a financial aid counselor and complete all necessary forms before March 1. Who May Participate Participants must be 18 years of age and in excellent health. As part of the program, students row dugout canoes to visit Bora, Huitoto, and Yagua Indian tribes. Here a student does the Anaconda Dance with a group of Huitotos. Additional Information Program Registration: An application is required for study abroad. Acceptance is subject to physical and academic requirements. For an application, please contact the Division of Humanities or: Professor Barbara Brodman Parker 301 Phone: (954) 262-8205 Fax: (954) 262-3881 E-mail: brodman@nova.edu Releases and Assumption of Risk Statements. All participants are required to sign a release form that specifically relates to the potential hazards involved with travel and study abroad programs in remote places. Cancellation. Nova Southeastern University reserves the right to cancel this program. If it is done, all deposits will be returned. Passports. A current passport is required of U.S. citizens. Others may need to obtain additional visas. |
Topics to be Covered and Activities during Field Study: 1. Latin American Orientation 2. Orientation to Iquitos 3. Introduction to Sustainable Development 4. Orientation to Reserve 5. Ethnobotany, use, and farming of medicinal plants 6. Meetings with shaman 8. 320-mile boat and canoe trip to the town of Pevas 9. Cultural visit to Bora, Huitoto, and Yagua tribes 10. Visit to gallery and home of internationally renowned artist, Francisco Grippa For the complete SYLLABUS, scroll DOWN. |
| SAMPLE SYLLABUS (revised yearly) Spring/Summer 2005 (5/9-6/18) I. COURSE TITLE: Special Topics in the Humanities: Development and Cultures of the Amazon (6 sem.hrs.) Course Number: HUMN 4900 Section: # Students are required to monitor online group communication via the study abroad listserve eight weeks prior to the trip. Attendance at two on-campus orientation sessions is also required. Two weeks, May 14-28, will be spent in the Amazon, in various towns and jungle locations. II. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Barbara Brodman Phone: (954)262-8205 E-mail: brodman@nova.edu Office: Parker 301 Office Hours: TBA III. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This study abroad experience immerses students in key issues related to the preservation and sustainable development of the Amazon rainforest and promotes the kind of direct involvement and cooperation that encourages students to see themselves as active members of a hemispheric community. It provides the opportunity for "hands on" study in the rainforest of Peru. Students live on a jungle reserve, and travel to meet with scientists, shamans, artists and several Indian tribes of the Amazon. Classroom sessions in the Amazon focus on issues of sustainable development. Online communication and assignments provide the necessary preparation for the field experience. There is an extra charge for this study abroad course. An application is required and each student must be approved by a committee. IV. LEARNING OUTCOMES: To complete this course successfully students must: 1. identify and critically analyze key issues related to sustainable development of the Amazon; 2. demonstrate an improved knowledge of medicinal plants and natural medicine as a sustainable industry; 3. explain how sustainable development can be viewed from an international and multicultural perspective; 4. evaluate arguments concerning global warming and climate change. V . REQUIRED TEXTS AND MATERIALS: 1. National Geographic. September 2004. “The Heat Is On,” pp. 2-75. 2. Brodman, Barbara and Steve McCrea. The Global Warming Answer Book. VI. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES: Daily participation in classes, reading assignments, setting up and tearing down camps, preparation for meals and clean-up, transport and all other team activities is expected. Five points will be deducted from final score for each incidence where a student has to be asked to participate or is not prepared. Failure to participate in activities as scheduled, or impromptu, will result in a failing grade. A student will receive one warning that participation needs to improve. Thereafter, a student who fails to fully participate will be required to return home early at his/her own expense. Writing Across the Curriculum: Writing Across the Curriculum: Each course at the Farquhar College must include written assignments that make up at least one third of the final course grade. Each course must contain at least 8 pages (approximately 2000 words) of writing, with faculty providing feedback on these assignments. At minimum, one third of these writings should occur in class. Written assignments can include (but are not limited to): essays, summaries, memos, lesson plans, research papers, abstracts, literature reviews, case analyses, reaction papers, journal entries, lab reports, project proposals, progress reports, case studies, and project reviews. This course satisfies the Writing Across the Curriculum policy. VII. GRADING CRITERIA: Final Course Grade: Your final grade is determined by your performance on the following: 1) Care2 Project (10%). See attached Guidelines. 2) Online Participation (10%). Students are expected to monitor and participate in all discussions on the listserve site for the study abroad experience. 3) Daily Field Journal (25%). See attached Guidelines. 4) Field Participation (30%). See attached Guidelines. 5) Outcomes Analysis(25%). The Outcomes Analysis is a 1000-word paper in which you critically analyze the outcomes of your field experience in the Amazon and relate them to theoretical material from assignments, lectures, and travels in the field. Care2 Project 10% Online Participation 10% Daily Field Journal 25% Field Participation 30% Outcomes Analysis 25% TOTAL 100% VIII. COURSE SCHEDULE: This Schedule Is Subject To Change, But Not Without Notice See Tentative 2005 Schedule of Field Classes, Above Assignment Due Dates: Assignment Date Due Care2 Project 5/14/05 Online Participation 5/14/05 Daily Field Journal 5/28/05 Field Participation 5/28/05 Outcomes Analysis 6/18/05 IX. LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW FROM COURSE: In order to withdraw from a course it is not sufficient simply to stop attending class or to inform the instructor of your intention to withdraw. In accordance with the center policy, contact your advisor to begin the withdrawal process. The last day for withdrawal from this course is June 3, 2005. Care2 Project Guidelines The purpose of this assignment is to show you how easy it is for one person to become an activist. You will be able not only to learn about global issues in this class, but to do something significant to help resolve them. You must begin doing this assignment immediately. To get started, you must: 1. Go to the Care2 website at www.care2.com 2. Familiarize yourself with the various components of the Care2 network. 3. On the Care2 home page, click on Take Action. This link will allow you to sign up for action alerts and to sign up to be an Online Activist. 4. Click on News. This link will allow you to view Grist Magazine. By joining Care2, you can also receive the Daily Grist at your own e-mail address, rather than having to enter Care2 to read it. All of this is free. 5. Check out the Green Pages Online. 6. Care2 also has great e-cards! Send one to a friend, and see how much information doing so gives you access to (including another opportunity to receive the Daily Grist Magazine). The requirements of this assignment, which constitutes 10% of your grade are: 1. To send your professor a Care2 e-card. 2. To submit to your professor five (5) articles from the Daily Grist Magazine that help you prepare for the field experience. 3. To submit proof to your professor that you know how to access petitions through Care2 (you need not sign any petitions). 4. To submit a brief (250 page) report on the various aspects of the Care2 network that you found most useful, interesting, or fulfilling. This report is due by May 14, 2005. Enjoy becoming an activist!! Daily Field Journal Guidelines Reflective journal entries must incorporate discussion of all study abroad objectives as they are listed in Learning Outcomes and Field Participation Guidelines in the syllabus. Writing is required each day. You will be graded on the basis of the depth and quality of your written reflections. Field Participation Guidelines • Upon completion of the study abroad experience students should be better prepared to participate as active citizens in their community and world. They will be able to discuss the importance of sustainable development in any culture, providing specific examples for Amazonia, chief among which is the development of medicinal plants and natural medicine as a sustainable industry. They will be able to discuss reasons for preserving the rainforest and rainforest culture and the consequences of failing to do so. They will participate in a group effort to learn and live in remote primitive conditions, an experience designed to promote the growth of leadership skills and encourage teamwork. • While in the field, each group of students will devise a means by which to share the knowledge they obtained during study abroad with the NSU student body on campus. They must design their experience-sharing project and approve it as a group before leaving Iquitos. Upon return to the NSU campus, they will be expected to carry out their project. Potential projects include informative lectures to students, photo exhibits, and/or poster presentations in the dorms, the library, or in the Parker entrance lobby. Topics to be Covered and Activities during Field Study: 1. Latin American Orientation 2. Orientation to Iquitos 3. Introduction to Sustainable Development 4. Orientation to Reserve 5. Ethnobotany, use, and farming of medicinal plants 6. Meetings with shaman 8. 320-mile boat and canoe trip to the town of Pevas 9. Cultural visit to Bora, Huitoto, and Yagua tribes 10. Visit to gallery and home of internationally renowned artist, Francisco Grippa Active participation in all of the activities listed above and demonstration of acquisition of the skills and knowledge described in these guidelines will form the basis of your Field Participation grade. |
| Tentative 2005 Schedule of Field Classes May 14 MIA-LIM LIM-IQT Introduction to Iquitos Hotel Victoria Regia May 15 TO GAI Selva Reserve Orientation on reserve May 16 Class 1: IIAP Medicinal Plants, 3h May 17 Class 2: IMET Medicinal Plants, 3h City tour May 18 Shamans Visit to Belen Market May 19 Class 3: reserve Sustainable Development, 3h Jungle tour May 20 Field trip to Butterfly Farm, prepare for trip to Pevas May21 Begin to row to Pevas, Group rows to Casa Guerra May 22 Group rows to Canton May 23 Arrive Pevas May 24 Pevas Visit Boras, Huitotos, Yaguas May 25 Return to Iquitos by river boat May 26 On reserve: pack up day; barbecue May27 Free day in Iquitos Hotel Victoria Regia May 28 Return to U.S. IQT - LIM LIM - MIA May 29 Arrive Miami (dependent on flight schedule) |
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