Testimonials Going to Peru was one of the best experiences of my life. It was the first time that Ive traveled outside of the country and was able to actually interact with the local culture and experience customs first hand. I think this is the best study abroad program Drexel offers. ~ Audrey Many people have recently asked me, what did you get out of this ecotourism program in Peru? When I think about it, it’s not what I got from it but what I have become. The experience in the beautiful country of Peru with its rich natural resources and its ancient Inca civilization has transformed my life. The program stimulated me to think more about how I can take responsibility for doing my part in responsible tourism. As an individual enjoying hiking, the Andean trails, riding a horse in a remote, rural setting, and watching the Andean condors, I felt I wanted to give something back to the place. As a graduate student of the GIE program, I felt prepared with the skills and knowledge necessary to work effectively within the social and cultural context of rural Peru. I spent four weeks of admirable, truly unique, enthusiastic and enduring work. I was able to tangibly enhance the life of rural Quechua speaking people and to contribute to the conservation and protection of the Andean condor in the Apurimac Canyon. |