BU Abroad: Finding the Galapagos
A visit to the islands where modern biology incubated
In the video above, Jaclyn Aliperti (CAS’10) explains why the Galapagos Islands are every naturalist’s must-see.
“After spending time doing research in the tropics, I realized how much I’ve grown to love obtaining hands-on experience in the field,” says Jaclyn Aliperti.
Aliperti (CAS’10) spent last spring in the Ecuador Tropical Ecology Program, studying in the field and at Universidad San Francisco de Quito. “My time in Ecuador allowed me to immerse myself in Ecuadorian culture,” she says, “and take away a better understanding of the language, ideals, and way of life.”
The highlight of her experience, though, was a 10-day trip to the Galapagos Islands, “the place,” Aliperti says, “that ties everything together for me.” Like Darwin and countless naturalists before her, she reveled in the biodiversity found in the archipelago. “That such a small country could preserve and protect such biodiversity is something to look up to,” she says.
Seeing blue-footed boobies dance, swimming with sea lions, and witnessing sea turtles mate resonated deeply with Aliperti, who intends to study wildlife management after BU. “After college,” she says, “I hope to integrate my passion for the environment with my passion for animals in a way that allows me to conserve and/or medically treat wildlife.”
Devin Hahn can be reached at dhahn@bu.edu.
Next week, another foreign visit. Read more at BU Abroad.
Have a study abroad story to share? Let us know in the comments below.
Jackie, you are awesome.
what a great interview.
Beautiful images. Intelligent and moving video. Thanks!
Beautiful shots!
Beautiful shots–blue feet and all!
I went to the Galapagos — it was AMAZING! I completely agree with Jaclyn.
Lopers
Great scenes, good music in the background, well put together and an honest message from the heart. I <3 BOOBIES
Es fantástico, me encantó verlo. ¡ Al fin!
Galapagos in HiDef!
Check this out in HD on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LSBUamfWRs
My 4 year old loved it
Just watched this with my four year old son, Luke, who asked, “When are we going to go there?” Beautiful video, we both enjoyed seeing the wildlife in action. Thanks!
Hi Jackie!
WOW! Sam’s mom and dad and sisters here – your video is breathtaking and you told your story so beautifully. We are even more excited now (and maybe a tad less nervous) about Sam leaving for Quito soon. And you’ll be nearby part of the time, fantastic! Chris and Anton and Kayla and Brynna Rao