USAC Montevideo student visited South American communities making time to focus on the environment
Are you frustrated by how people around you don’t seem to be interested in taking care of the environment? It may just be the space you’re standing in. Take it from one student who learned about some interesting sustainability initiatives that she wishes other people knew about:
McClaine Wetch, a student from Washington State University, spent her spring term in Montevideo, Uruguay, on a University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) study abroad program. She signed up for a couple of courses focused on sustainability and the environment, including Sustainability in Latin America. The course examines the risks the environment faces, warning signs, and practical solutions to improve sustainability.
“Taking [Sustainability in Latin America] helped me discover how much Uruguayans truly care about the planet and sustainability,” she said. “Originally, I did not plan on taking the class, however, I ended up taking this course and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. My perspective on sustainability has shifted as there are so many things humans can do in their daily lives to be more sustainable.”
For example, one day her instructor, Geronimo Etchechurry M.Sc., took the class on a walk down to Playa Pocitos. It’s a very important ecological habitat not far from the Universidad ORT campus.
“The first image is a picture of the dunes — one of the topics we discussed during class and took a field trip to see. Dunes help to decrease the erosion of local beaches.”
Sand dunes are a helpful, natural barrier. They protect the coast from waves and flooding.
Another course McClaine took, Social Dimensions of Health and Environment, was a little more challenging, but she’s glad she took it. This class also involved class field trips, one of which was to Laguna Garzon.
“My instructor, Lucía [Bonilla Ph.D.], explained how even though tons of plant growth may appear like a good thing, it is harmful to the environment. The overgrowth species can become invasive and, in turn, actually harm the ecosystem.”
There were moments to simply enjoy nature, too.
“We also got to stargaze at the laguna, and it was one of the most unique experiences I ever had that was not in a classroom setting,” she said. “It was definitely a night to remember with all the good company!”
International experiences get us out of our small social and political bubbles. Concerns about the environment are felt across the world, so do not feel alone. There are like-minded people out there just like you.
The USAC Green Pact
USAC has made a commitment to providing sustainability-focused course offerings, volunteering for green community initiatives in host location communities, and teaching students how to reduce their carbon footprint while traveling. Read more details at usac.edu/sustainability.
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