WSU trio learns about Peruvian culture, water resource management during study abroad trip

During a recent trip to South America, three Washington State University students learned firsthand about Peru's water resource management and Indigenous practices.

The 10-day voyage was hosted by The Green Program, a provider of global, sustainability-focused experiential education trips, and included roughly 20 students from universities throughout the U.S.

"Peru is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I'm really glad I went," said Katherine Tate, a WSU senior majoring in environmental and ecosystems sciences (EES). "Our guides were very knowledgeable, and the locals were so friendly. Before this trip, my perspective on water resource management was informed by western science. This experience helped me realize that different geographical locations require different approaches."

Prior to departure, the students attended online classes through Peru's Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola (USIL). The sessions provided a geographical, environmental, and political overview of Peru, including a discussion of the different climate regions and the connection between water and agriculture and the country's economy. The students spent their trip with their USIL professor as well as a local tour guide.

"Environmental challenges are global. They're the great equalizer, cutting across national and cultural boundaries," said Alecia Hoene, School of the Environment student advisor and academic coordinator. "Our EES students need to have a similarly global perspective. Study abroad experiences help them recognize how what they're learning fits into a larger picture. They will leave WSU with a greater sense of the humanity behind the science and better prepared to tackle complex environmental issues in an inclusive manner."

Once in Peru, each student was required to complete a capstone project, with topics ranging from ecotourism to fashion sustainability to restoring Machu Picchu.

WSU EES senior Scout Abbott and her capstone group explored a sustainable way to clean up pollution in the culturally significant Huatanay River, which runs through downtown Cusco. Together, the students devised a governmental policy that would educate the local community and include them in the river's cleanup and maintenance.

That solution became more elusive, however, when the group learned that many locals are distrustful of the government and view it as corrupt.

"Normally, my first response would be to implement a policy, then figure it out," Abbott said. "In this situation, I had to step back and think about how we were going to do this on a community level rather than a government level. It gave me an entirely new outlook."

In addition to working on their capstones, the students spent time in Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Potato Park, an area encompassing several highland communities whose diets consist mainly of the starchy vegetable. Unsurprisingly, a highlight of the trip was the students' visit to Machu Picchu, where they saw a blend of Incan and Spanish architecture.

The group also learned about Peru's water cycle and unique vegetation, as well as the Incan Empire's impact on modern agriculture. A main takeaway was the importance of honoring traditional Indigenous knowledge and methods while simultaneously implementing new technology for water resource management.

"Study abroad experiences are incredibly beneficial to our students," said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of WSU's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. "They provide an opportunity for experiential learning and broaden students' horizons by introducing them to different cultural practices and traditions. What these environmental and ecosystems sciences students learned about water resource management in Peru is something they will no doubt carry into their future careers. I am grateful for SOE Associate Director for Undergraduate Programs Kara Whitman and other CAHNRS faculty members who lead and support global learning initiatives that strengthen student engagement and success."

Tate, who is considering working abroad in the future, said hearing firsthand about Peruvians' lived experiences gave her a new perspective.

"There's only so much data can show us," she said. "This trip taught me to put my expectations and biases aside and truly listen to the experiences and knowledge of those who are directly affected by issues like climate change or overextraction of resources."

Abbott encourages students who are considering a study abroad trip to take the leap.

"Go," she said. "You'll meet new people, see new things, and have new experiences. It will change your life."