Graduate student Rachel Tennant in Cusco, Peru
Image Credit: Rachel Tennant
Ready to set off on an adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime, see one of the Seven Wonders of the World and earn college credit at the same time? Then consider spending your spring break in Peru studying sustainable development and leadership while learning about grassroots technologies empowering indigenous communities.
AGNR499P, a new spring break program being offered by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR), is the first study abroad course approved for the University of Maryland’s new sustainability minor and satisfies all three categories required to complete the minor.
Participating students will travel to Cusco, Peru where they will explore concepts of community development and indigenous culture and hike to Machu Picchu, considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. They will also visit the remote mountainous region of Yanampampa getting hands-on experience working with a local organization in a Quechuan village implementing sustainable practices.
Graduate student Rachel Tennant was the driving force behind organizing the course and trip to Peru. Tennant, who is pursuing a dual master’s degree in environmental policy and sustainable development and conservation biology, spent time in Cusco and the Quechuan village through an independent study course.
"It was very, very eye-opening for me," Rachel said. "It's interesting to see a grassroots movement that teaches indigenous communities how to develop on their own. This course will give undergraduate students a chance to see it too."
Interested? Want to hear more? Please attend one of the following information sessions in HJ Patterson, Room 1129:
Wednesday, January 23rd, 11:30am
Thursday, January 24th, 12:00pm
Monday, January 28th, 4:30pm
The deadline to apply is February 1st. To submit an application or for more information visit: http://ter.ps/spbreakpeag
