OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Open search box
The CLA websites are currently under construction and may not reflect the most current information until the end of the Fall Term.
The School of Public Policy and the College of Science led a group of nineteen undergraduate students to Aruba over spring break to explore cultural, historical, and sustainable development
By Colin Bowyer, Communications Manager - September 11, 2024
Over spring break, the School of Public Policy and the College of Science, in partnership with the University of Aruba and faciliated by OSU Global Opportunities, offered a unique educational experience, where nineteen students spent a week in Aruba, engaged in a faculty-led introduction to the cultural, historical, and sustainable development of island ecosystems and natural resources.
Led by sociologist Dwaine Plaza and marine scientist Itchung Cheung, students explored the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals framework with local stakeholders, including environmental experts, biologists, artists, small business owners, and more.
“Our goal was that at the end of seven days,” Plaza explained, “students will have a better understanding of Aruba’s ecological systems, as well as the island's place in the global economy. As we progress into the 21st Century, micro-states in the Caribbean will be constantly juggling the needs of tourism with sustainability of the environment.”
Throughout the nine days, students not only were able to experience first-hand the challenges of environmental preservation with economic growth, including visits to Aruba’s drinking water and energy production facility, oil refineries, museums, coral reefs, the national park, and mangrove forests.
“Reading about sustainable development in small island states is one thing,” said Cheung, “but after immersing themselves in Aruban culture, environment, and society, as well as reflecting on the contractions, I’m hoping the students took away from the trip a new perception of ecosystems and resource management.”
Sociology major Lucy Boretto became interested in the 3-credit week-long excursion after taking a similar class offered by Plaza and Cheung titled, Coasts Compared: Aruba and Oregon, which was supposed to also include a trip to Aruba, but was derailed by the Covid-19 Pandemic. Boretto saw this year’s class as an opportunity to learn more about sustainable tourism outside of the classroom.
“I loved how busy our days were, including meeting all of the various governmental officials, business owners, and ecologists,” said Boretto. “My goal was to learn more about how the island balances environmental sustainability with tourism. I was able to speak with leaders in the field and gather perspectives that I wouldn’t necessarily have been able to while in Corvallis. It was also great to make connections with other students in sociology and at the College of Science.”
Kailey Alberto, a sociology Ecampus student from Texas, enrolled in the class and met the group in Aruba. Alberto described the trip as her first traditional university experience, enjoying both the in-class elements and supplemental fieldwork.
“As an Ecampus student, I have the luxury of earning a degree on my schedule, however that comes at the cost of not having the opportunity to study abroad or take advantage of other experiential learning opportunities,” said Alberto. “I jumped at the chance to sign up for this excursion.”
Alberto’s full-time job is at a waste management company, so she was interested in learning how Aruba dealt with solid waste recycling on the small desert island that welcomes on average two million tourists annually.
“The packed and intensive itinerary allowed us to see so much in such a short time,” said Alberto, “including how the government regulates recycling of solid waste. What was surprising to me after speaking with local government officials is how much more research and development is needed to create an effective recycling environment.”
Alberto’s experience opened her eyes to traveling and learning more about sustainable development.
“I encourage students who are on the fence about participating in these faculty- led short term study abroad classes at OSU,” Alberto continued. “Jump in, and expose yourself to new learning opportunities and connections.”
As part of the course requirement, the students created a YouTube video about some aspects of Aruba's history, environment, culture, or sociology. Click on the links below to learn new facts about Aruba:
Bronson Mills, biochemistry, OSU Cascades
When you are a student, it sometimes feels like the things you are learning aren’t connected to the real-world. Study abroad experiences serve to incorporate theory with practice, provide context for high concepts, and broaden the student’s perspective. On the Sustainable Development in Small Island Developing States-Aruba faculty-led study abroad trip, we were able to see first-hand the vitality of developing sustainable systems, and the impacts of failing to do so. We approached the topic of sustainable development from several angles, both from a historical perspective, and in the context of modern Socioeconomic and Environmental concerns. Additionally, study abroad experiences allow for cultural immersion. I was able to sample many traditional Aruban dishes as well as experiencing Aruban arts and culture. I had only heard of Aruba from the opening lines of the Beach Boys song “Kokomo” before this trip, and now I feel as if I have a pretty good understanding and appreciation of Aruban culture. I also feel as if I have a much better appreciation for the importance of sustainable development in small island developing states, and I have OSU Go and Professors Plaza and Cheung to thank for that.
Study abroad experiences also allow opportunities for team building. As a non-traditional student, I often feel like I am not really part of the university community, but the experiences I shared with classmates on this study-abroad trip helped me form lasting friendships. When you are in a new place, experiencing new things together in a group, it creates a common bond, from which friendships and professional networks are formed.
Alexandra A. Finegan, microbiology
My time in Aruba for the “Sustainability in Action: Small Island State Ecological Systems, Culture, and Society” course was eye-opening, hands-on, and emotional. From the moment we exited the airport, we were embraced by “One Happy Island” sunshine and music from steelpan drums. We were immersed into a tourist-oriented economy, environment, and society that our incredible educators and Aruba collaborators pulled back the “picture-perfect” curtain on in order to shine light on foundational and long-term, systemic issues. We learned about the blended Aruban culture, basic Papiamento greetings, explored the natural beauty of the island, and spoke with locals, university educators, and stakeholders. We also spent time nearly every day snorkeling in the precious and extraordinary ocean reef. I was especially inspired by the invasive seagrass survey experience, where we identified many marine organisms including one of my favorites, algae. I now look forward to taking a phycology course this summer at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center. I am immensely grateful to the individuals who made this experience possible, especially Professors Dwaine Plaza and Itchung Cheung.
Jessica Kim, Ecampus, environmental sciences
I had the honor of being accepted into the study abroad program that took place in Aruba over this past spring break. It was truly an immersive experience, jam-packed with culture, academics, nature, history, science field work, snorkeling, connecting with fellow OSU students, and even students and faculty from the University of Aruba, with some free time sprinkled in. I learned more than I ever realized I could know about such a relatively small place, some of which I will be able to apply in my career after the completion of my degree. I highly recommend studying abroad to all students who are able, but especially Ecampus students, of which I am one. In addition to the benefit of everything I learned on this trip, what resonates with me the most was how connected it made me feel to OSU and my classmates.
Sarah Kowalski, environmental sciences
The Spring Break Aruba trip was incredible - better than I could have imagined. As an Ecampus student who works full-time, this made me feel like a true member of the OSU community for the first time. All of the lectures were interesting, and the field work was fun but also really informative. We got to study coral reefs, survey sea grasses, and see the authentic community of Aruba. Of course, the sights were beautiful, but everything had an educational component too. The professors were the best: both OSU's and the ones at the University of Aruba. And while I loved all of this, I also made friends that I believe are with me for the long haul which is invaluable.
Stephanie Rochefort, environmental sciences, Ecampus
When asked to tell my experience with the “Sustainability in Action: Small Island State Ecological Systems, Culture and Society” class, the one word that came to mind describing the entire trip was enchanting. Since I am an Ecampus student living in another state, this was my only chance to have an in-person experience with Oregon State University professors and students. I am happy I chose to do this class because to simply put it, Aruba was a revelation. It was a work of vibrant colors, warm smiles, and endless adventures. From snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to savoring the local cuisine, every moment was a testament to the island's unparalleled beauty and hospitality. But beyond the picturesque landscapes, Aruba taught me the value of embracing life's simple joys and the power of connection, whether with nature or with the wonderful people who call this paradise home. Leaving Aruba, I carried with me not just memories, but a sincere appreciation for the wonders of this world and a promise to return, eager to dive deeper into its enchanting allure.
Augie Tveit, biology, Ecampus
I was honestly a little nervous for the trip, I had never been out of the country before and I didn't know anyone else going, but it turned out amazing. The professors were great, and I felt like all the students there had the same goals and interests as me. It felt nice to be with a group of people like that. I got to experience things I've always wanted to do in a place like Aruba: snorkeling, SCUBA diving, and hiking. I also got to connect with some things that wouldn't usually interest me like history, architecture, and politics, but being there and actually seeing the place and the people I was studying made me want to learn more. I've always wanted to study abroad, but going away for full terms or over the summer had always intimidated me, being able to go for a relatively short time was perfect and the professors did such a great job packing the week full with things to do and see, I don't feel like I missed out on a "full" study abroad trip. I'm a marine biology student who wants to work in conservation and I will definitely be taking everything I learned in Aruba with me to future experiences.
