Alexandra Lewis ’08: Ecuador

Alexandra Lewis ’08 Home: Portland, Oregon Major: Biology, with an emphasis on marine biology

Study abroad experience: I studied with the GAIAS [Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences] program in Quito, Ecuador. I earned academic credit for the classes I took—evolutionary biology, human ecology, and other similar topics. The classes are capped at 25 students, so they are very hands-on and the lectures are intimate and discussion-oriented. Course work generally tries to connect and integrate students with the community at large with activities such as interview projects rather than sticking to the usual textbook learning.

Juan Carlos Murrillo, who is in fishery management at the Parque Nacional Galapagos, spoke to one of my classes, and I arranged an internship exchange with him. I worked at the National Park office, mainly translating published journal articles about fisheries from English into Spanish— since most scientific research is published in English. In exchange for my translation services, he would take me down to the docks with him. His job is basically keeping open, active communication with the fishermen, to get their support, getting to know them and using their information for scientific endeavors. They know what is going on in the seas better than anyone because they’re really out there all the time. I met all kinds of people and talked with them about what was going on with fishing regulations, and the impacts that the regulations have on their lives.

Bringing academics to life: Working with Juan Carlos and the National Park was what really got me interested in marine biology—not just the biological aspects, but also in terms of the sociological and ecological aspects. It’s one thing to talk about ecological conservation in a classroom and it’s a different thing to work with a national park that is actually trying to enforce it. There’s a human component and social and economic components that you just don’t get to see in the classroom. What would it be like to be dealing with hard times and needing to support yourself with an endeavor that you know is not ecologically sound?  It’s important to be sympathetic and consider all the factors.

Advice to students who want to study abroad: It’s really important to think of yourself as a citizen of the world. Reach out and spend time with the local people. Get some phone numbers, hang out with them!