September 07, 2010
Biology student Kimberly Bukucuyan never thought she would study
amidst the natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands.
“Most college students don’t have the opportunity to travel to
South America,” she noted. “The Galapagos study abroad program was
a rewarding and fun experience that enhanced my appreciation of the
environment.”
Kimberly traveled to the legendary Galapagos Islands this
past winter thanks to a unique St. John’s University course that
combines science with studying abroad. The creation of Biology
Professors
Richard Stalter, Ph.D., and
Christopher Bazinet, Ph.D., the course allows students to earn
credit while retracing Charles Darwin’s footsteps as he developed
his theory of evolution more than a century ago.
For Kimberly, the course was an eye-opening look at a pristine land
that shelters many of the world’s most remarkable species. “We saw
animals, plants and terrain you simply can’t find anywhere else,”
she said. Guided by Professors Stalter and Bazinet, Kimberly and
her classmates viewed the volcanic peaks of the Cayambe, hiked
through the magnificent Cloud Forest and toured spectacular
waterfalls.
The course is a rare opportunity for students to observe more than
450 species of mammals, reptiles and tropical plants. “Study abroad
extends beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Bazinet. “The Galapagos is
a unique combination of travel and service that incorporates
nature’s greatest treasures as well as showing students that
through science we can all help to make the world more
eco-friendly.”
Integrated into the program, is a two-day service–learning
component, in which students volunteered at an orphanage or school
for the disadvantaged in Quito. They also planted
Hummingbird-friendly plants and maintained trails in the
rainforest.
You can join the company of many other St. John’s students who have
spent their winter break exploring the Galapagos Island. The
application deadline for this winter is September 20, 2010. For
more information, contact Dr. Christopher Bazinet at bazinetc@stjohns.edu, or The
Office of Global Studies at globalstudies@stjohns.edu
or (718) 990-6105.