Ecuador faculty-led study abroad program

The Department of History has completed another successful Study Abroad summer in Ecuador. Participants in this 3-week program explored the history, culture, and geography of the region. Andean Journeys covers Ecuadorian history from pre-Columbian times to the modern era, focusing on the effects of colonialism on societal and national identity for Western, Indigenous, and Afro-Latin American communities.

The course takes place all around Ecuador, from the port city of Guayaquil to the Andean highlands of Quito, to the Amazonian jungles of the Napo River basin. The students got to experience the Inca ruins at Ingapirca, the indigenous market of Otavalo, and the Novacero steel mill.

As part of the activities offered by the program the class walked into the Amazon forest, with some students taking a swim or a dive into the Napo River. The group learned about the history of yuca, a local root vegetable, and the ritual and spiritual importance the culture places on the land. At the beach community of Montañita, the participants got to relax and reflect on everything they learned on their journey.

In addition to experiencing Ecuador firsthand, the students also created a digital photo journal to focus and reframe these wonderful experiences under the lens of culture and history. Andean Journeys was an enriching and educational experience that generated a great response from participants. Abby Melin shared, “This was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done for myself, and it inspired me to do more in both academic and personal settings.” Emory Young also voiced her enthusiasm, saying, “I am more confident in myself and my social skills… This trip has strengthened my resolve to someday contribute to [the] growing field [in anthropology].”

To learn more about Andean Journeys Study Abroad Program, contact Dr. Eric Meringer at: ermeringer@utep.edu