Winter Study in Peru

Medicinal Plants of the Amazon and The Andes

PLSC489X (3 Credits)

Contact: Andrea Ottesen aottesen@verizon.net

Medicinal Plants of the Amazon and The Andes uses one of the most biologically regions on the planet as a classroom setting to expose students to the incredible biochemistry of the flora of the primary and secondary tropical rainforest. Students will learn about local medicinal plants and local Peruvian uses of plant properties to treat a wide range of ailments. Local healers will demonstrate preparation and use of specific plants. Toxic components of tropical plants will be examined and drugs that have been derived from rainforest biochemistry will be discussed. Sustainability issues will be introduced and examined from pharmaceutical, "food pharmacy," and global health perspectives.

Spring Break Study In Peru

Sustainable Development and Leadership: Grassroots Technologies Empowering Quechua Communities

Spring Break 2013: March 15 - March 24

AGNR499P

THE PROGRAM
Participants will explore, analyze and learn about sustainable community development and indigenous culture in Peru through the lens of a proactive educational nonprofit organization that teaches by inclusion. Through hands-on activities, field trips and lectures, participants will examine/acquire a broad knowledge of the country's physical and social development challenges and its diverse culture.

THE LOCATION
The course will start in Lima and travel throughout Peru.

THE HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights include:

• Community Service such as building solar ovens
• Hiking to Machu Picchu
• Interacting with community members through a community dinner

THE ACCOMMODATIONS
While traveling with Mondo Verde, students will be staying in shared rooms at a community lodge. It is an old resort lodge that has been converted to a community lodge, and community members will be working as kitchen and hospitality staff to provide meals and comfort. This is part of the community capacity development goals of IAA.

At other times (for three nights of the trip), the group will stay in hostels. Students will have access to internet and laundry.

At all times, students will be sharing rooms with fellow students.

THE COURSE
Education Abroad will enroll committed students in the following course for three (3) credits from the University of Maryland:

• AGNR 499P: Sustainable Development and Leadership: Grassroots Technologies Empowering Quechua Communities

There will be two pre-departure meetings with the instructor to become familiar with expectations of the course, and to obtain a limited knoweldge of the Quecua culture and regions to be visited. There will be formal class sessions where we discuss class themes as well as travel preparations and trip expectations. There will also be assigned readings that introduce students to Sierra Productiva (the IAA sustainable development project), and Peruvian development and culture.

Program Directors: The course is led by Dr. Richard Weismiller and Kate Ortenzi.

For course, itinerary or in-country information, please contact the Program Director. For more information or to apply please visit https://myea.umd.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_I....