Biology major merges interests through summer study abroad programs
It was a minor in French that brought Laura Sullivan, ’07, to spend six summer weeks studying abroad in France. But a suggestion from a friend––and her own passion for biology and culture––led Sullivan to seek a second summer program abroad, this time in Chile and its archaeological gem, Easter Island.
Sullivan, a biology major from West Chester, Pa., studied in both France and Chile through the University of Richmond’s summer study abroad programs. While France offered language courses and world-famous tourist attractions, the program in Chile was English-based, environmentally focused, and lacked tourist attractions, encouraging greater submersion into the culture.
The program also offered many experiences unique to Easter Island. In addition to learning about a civilization based entirely around the production and mobilization of the “moai,” the island’s mysterious stone heads, Sullivan explored the landscape and society during her adventures, which included climbing a volcano, visiting a leper colony, and participating in island dancing at the Rapa Nui Ballet.
These cultural aspects of the program convinced Sullivan that Easter Island is far from being “just another tropical paradise,” and paired well with the scientific aspects that had initially attracted her.
All Richmond summer study abroad programs are offered through the School of Continuing Studies. This summer, faculty are leading thirteen programs to places as varied as China, Sweden, France, and a new program in Jordan and the Middle East, as well as the geography and environmental studies adventure in Easter Island and central Chile.