Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Three students took part in a lifetime field trip to Bali, Indonesia with Professor Doberstein. Come along with Bethany, Elizabeth, and Katherine as they share why they wanted to join the field trip, what skills they developed, and the impact the experience has left on them.
Katherine
Allaby
Katherine hiked up Mt. Kawah Ijen in East Java at sunrise to learn about the volcano, its eruption history including the impact on nearby areas and the connection between the tourism industry and the exploitation of sulfur miners. All participants had to wear gas masks because of the sulfur fumes.
Why I wanted to join the field course
I was first introduced to Professor Doberstein’s Indonesia field course during my undergraduate degree in Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo. Five years and one pandemic later, I was given the opportunity to join the course (now as a master's student). The geography department provides its students with many amazing opportunities to go outside the classroom and pursue experiential learning, and when possible, I jump at any chance to take advantage of these avenues for academic and personal growth. Of course, the promise of volcano trekking had some sway in my decision as well!
How it has furthered my educational experience
The field course developed my research skills and provided me with experience in navigating cultural and language barriers when conducting interviews. Additionally, I gained a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and political realities of Indonesia, and how these spheres impact all levels of natural hazard preparedness and response. As a graduate student researching flooding in Canada, the course helped me hone the practice of critically assessing the context in which hazards occur.
Bethany Helaine Poltl
Bethany standing on the crater edge of Mount Bromo in East Java, one of the active volcanoes the class visited to learn about disaster risk management and volcano tourism.
Why I wanted to join the field course
As someone who enjoys adventure, when I sat in the lecture room and heard Professor Doberstein talking about the field course, I knew I had to apply for this. The field course would allow for me to be a traveller exploring and immersing myself in the cultures of Bali.
The opportunity to engage in work in the field, to learn and experience ecotourism and marine conservation work firsthand and see how sustainability and climate change are impacting people brings to life and to light the seriousness of what I am studying. I was also excited by the opportunity to create a documentary as an option for the final project. I would be linking what I learn in my environment and the business degree to reality in the field.
How it has furthered my educational experience
In our month living in Indonesia, I shared amazing experiences with other students, with our TA Michelle and with Professor Brent. We travelled throughout Bali, East Java, and Gili Trawangan visiting various conservation locations, and volcanoes, connecting with experts, and learning from professors from the University of Malang. Visiting multiple different sites, we approached each with an open mind and willingness to capture the truth of the situation. I am now working on being able to authentically share that back with creating my documentary. This trip improved my understanding of the research process, and the different elements involved. Developing my research topic, conducting interviews, recording observations, and learning on the go as new information was discovered each day.
Elizabeth Glor-Bell
Elizabeth Glor-Bell at a Materials Recycling Facility in Bali.
Why I wanted to join the field course
I wanted to join the Bali field course because I’d never experienced studying abroad before, and I thought it would be an enriching experience as one of my electives – and I was right! Through the field course, I was able to apply the knowledge I’ve been developing as a student and come to a greater understanding of how environmental frameworks were being applied in the real world and on a global scale.
How it has furthered my educational experience
The course took us to three of Indonesia’s provinces, which provided a source of cultural contrast between the different islands we visited, and also to my own lived experience in Canada. I met new people, made new friends, and got to experience something totally unique, all as a part of my education. To me, I don’t think there could be a better way to explore the world than through a student’s lens. I will be reflecting on the experience for a long time, and it’s helped to shape my educational interests and focus. Thank you to Professor Doberstein for making it happen!
