University of Wisconsin–Madison

Ecuador: Kaitlyn Monty

Program: Ceiba: Water for Life: Sustainability and Community Health in Ecuador, Summer

Kaitlyn’s Major: Biology

Several people stand in a very shallow river surrounded by tropical plants holding tape measures.
This photo was taken while we were working with community members from Don Juan to test the water of their local river. Community members attended a lecture given by our instructor, and then we walked over to the river to practice all of the water testing methods we had taught them! Many community members expressed that they no longer use the river water for anything, however they still care deeply about the river’s health and how it affects human health in the area.

What is the moment you are most proud of?

The moments I am most proud of from my trip were the moments spent working with local community members in coastal Ecuador. We got to interview 15 individuals about their perceptions of water quality and it was super interesting to see how they varied between communities. We spent two days interviewing and building our research projects, which we ultimately presented to our instructors and owners of the forest reserve we were staying at. We also were able to provide reports to the individuals we interviewed about the results of our study.

The moments I am most proud of from my trip were the moments spent working with local community members in coastal Ecuador.

A lake is surrounded by mountains and tall grass, which are reflected in the water.
Processed with VSCO with dog3 preset

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

The academics of this program were very different than that of a typical UW-Madison class. Rather than being in a classroom all the time, we were able to put our methods we learned into practice in the field. This was very rewarding and helped improve our learning at a high level. When I left, I felt like I had learned so much more than in an average class because we were so immersed in everything we were doing!

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

This program will definitely push you out of your typical comfort zone, but with that being said, it’s an experience that will certainly change your life. From the food, to the people, to the culture, Ecuador is a beautiful country that has much to offer for anyone who hopes to see it!