Israel Tour II — Comments of Participants
Israel Adventure in Environmental Sciences
March 2000

Dr. Robert Bacon, UA profession of agronomy, led a group of six students studying environmental sciences to Israel to join up with students from the Scottish Agricultural College in Edinburgh. This was the second year that the two institutions coordinated a joint study tour to Israel. The primary objective of the visit was to study the agricultural practices and environmental policies in that country and to learn more about the culture and traditions and the impact they have on agriculture. The group reviewed sustainable agricultural and water quality projects and experienced a close-up view of desert agriculture, visited historial sites, Jerusalem and the Red Sea.

Brad Drake, a junior from Fayetteville, said the study visit was a very rewarding and eye-opening experience. He said he learned much by seeing the differences in the culture and social conditions. Drake said visiting the Holy Land and the Old City was the most exciting aspect of the study abroad experience.

Ashley Hammac from Montgomery, Alabama said he wanted to learn about the different ideas and cultural pratices in Israel. "I wanted to walk on the other side of the earth and to broaden my horizon," Hammac said.

"The visit to Israel certainly opened my eyes to a whole new world," said Lauren Williams, a sophomore from Heights, Texas. "It was very educational to see how different places deal with water quality."

Fran Free, a senior from Dumas, Arkansas, said she viewed sustainable agricultural systems and learn more about successful irrigation and water conservation techniques. She said she had the opportunity to see first hand the detrimental effects of draining a wetland and realized the importance of education on this issue.

"We spend so much time in our own neighborhood that it's wonderful to get out and experience the lives of other cultures," Free said. "This visit to Israel has opened many doors of future opportunities for me.  My views are broadened, and I've acquired an antagonizing itch to travel."

Amanda Escobar, a senior from Mena who attended high school in California, also said this study abroad experience gave her the urge to travel and see the world. She said it was a great opportunity to meet other people and learn about other ways of life. 

 "This experience has made me realize that I can be independent and on my own and not depend so much on anyone else," Escobar said. 

Jake Rozier, a former graduate of Fayetteville High School, said he wanted to learn about farming and enviornmental practices in other countries. However, he said experiencing the culture of the Middle East was the most exciting aspect of the trip. 

Prior to their departure to Israel, Dr. Bacon and the six students met once a week during the spring semester. During the weekly meetings, Dr. Bacon said they reviewed cultural and historical information on Israel and dicussed agricultural issues relating to that region of the world. Each student earned 2 hrs. of academic credit for their participation and for completing assignments and required trip reports.

9/23/2004


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