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Perceptions and physical realities of flood risk in Cerro Punta, Chiriquí, Panamá
Get PDFFlooding is an issue of increasing global importance. With climate change and land-use alteration affecting hydrological cycles globally, certain regions of the world are experiencing more frequent or severe flooding. In the Chiriquí Province of Panamá, the town of Cerro Punta has been subject to several severe flooding events in the last few decades. This study aimed to understand perceptions of flood risk amongst residents of Cerro Punta, as well as evaluate physical flood risk in the area. Residents were interviewed regarding their perceptions of flooding as an increasing issue, possible causes, vulnerable areas and populations, and preparedness for future disasters. ArcGIS was also used to map flood vulnerability based on the proximity of buildings to rivers. Overall, residents felt that flooding was an issue of increasing concern in the area, and that deforestation and issues surrounding it was a large driver. Many areas of Cerro Punta were perceived as vulnerable, with the overarching theme of lower areas closer to rivers being the most at risk. Through ArcGIS, it was found that a significant number of buildings in the town are within close proximity to rivers. Overall, residents did not feel that the town is prepared to deal with future flooding, and many cited a general lack of awareness amongst residents. Further research should examine the relationship between geographical vulnerability and socioeconomic status of populations. The paradox between the majority opinion that flooding is a serious issue and the general claim of a lack of awareness in the rest of the community should also be explored
Stagnant Corruption in Bosnia-Herzegovina: Then, Now, and What is to Come
Get PDFBosnia-Herzegovina, a country recently torn apart by ethnic violence in the 1990s, remains standing yet has struggled for the past two decades to materialize dynamic reform from political corruption and has failed to progress to a more stabilized society. Matters of ethnic divisions, political corruption, and economic underdevelopment all contribute to a deadlocked society vulnerable to further destabilization. The Dayton Peace Agreement produced an environment fit to maintain political corruption with elite entrenchment and governmental deadlock that continues to freeze the county in 1995 and inhibits true ethnic reconciliation. Economic insecurity and high unemployment rates add to grievances in a highly polarized multi-ethnic-religious society. Nationalist rhetoric exacerbates tensions, and there is an overall lacking monitoring involvement from international actors. Lacking involvement from Western democratic influences of the European Union and United States is highly criticized and needed to actualize change in Bosnia. This research paper aims to analyze and answer the sources of stagnant corruption in Bosnia, with analysis of stabilization realities. First, looking to the historical roots of the demographics and grievances of the country from the Ottoman Empire, and most recently the Bosnian War in the 1990s. Then a discussion about the current factors that inhibit stabilization. Finally, to arrive at analysis surrounding European Union integration as well as the realities of the future. In the end, the unfortunate combination of corrupt leadership alongside ethnic divisions and economic underdevelopment in Bosnia synchronized with upheaval in European Union internal politics produces an environment immune to progression and change with little hope for dynamic evolution towards further stabilization in the near future. However, at the end of the day, this resilient country remains standing
Rebuilding Tunisia, One Artist at a Time
Get PDFThis paper argues that Tunisia’s engaged artists are playing a key role in the development of Tunisian civil society and democracy. The bulk of the research is in the form of interviews with five Tunisian artists. Each artist is actively engaged in the project of building a stronger, more democratic society. Through their art, they exercise and protect the political rights won in the 2011 revolution. These artists resist censorship, powerfully and loudly exercise their right to free speech, and help Tunisian society envision a better future for itself. The five artists interviewed for this research represent the type of citizen the future of Tunisia’s civil society and democracy depend upon
Uphill Struggle: Impediments and Facilitators to Porter Health in the Khumbu Region
Get PDFThe surge of Nepal’s tourism industry has resulted in new waves of tourists visiting popular trekking areas such as the northern Khumbu region of the Solukhumbu District. One effect of this growing industry has been the increased prominence of porters in the area. Coming mostly from lowlands south of the Khumbu, porters are composed mainly of young individuals looking to make a career in the enticing business of trekking and mountaineering tourism. The current status of porter health in Solukhumbu is poor. Many ailments exist to physical and social well-being, and social segregation, incentives to carry heavier loads and a lack of basic health needs have left the porter population victim to a system that sacrifices health for financial profit.
This study was done to determine the common impediments to porter well-being and to analyze current actions being taken to improve porter health. Interviews were conducted around settlements in Khumbu along the trail from Phaplu to Gokyo. Altitude illness and respiratory infections were common diseases for the regional porter population, and impediments to well-being included inadequacies in equipment, accommodation, insurance and education. Clothing centers, education workshops, porter shelters, awareness campaigns and an insurance program are some of the actions currently being taken in the area to improve porter health, though poor awareness, trekking company influence, and perceptions among porters have prevented widespread use of these resources. Altruism and abandonment were both common themes relating to porter health, highlighting the ethical nature of this topic
Spirituality and Conservation in Tujiin Nars
Get PDFFor centuries, Mongolians have relied heavily on the land for their survival. In Selenge aimag, the surrounding Tujiin Nars forest is an integral part of their lives. An area with many uses, it was once so heavily deforested that the majority of the area lost its ecological function. Now, these impacts are being reversed by dedicated government workers, community groups, and regular citizens. The people of this area believe that they are intimately connected with the forest, and that spirits reside within the trees and the land itself. As such, they stake importance in treating the land with respect. This spiritual environment has constructed a moral philosophy in this community, shaping the way in which they relate to and use the land. This paper discusses the formulation of this morality, and how daily practices either compliment or counter the spiritual beliefs of this area
Is the J-1 Trainee and Intern Exchange Visitor Program Still Fulfilling Its Original Purpose as an Educational and Cultural Exchange Program?
Get PDFThe J-1 Trainee and Intern Exchange Visitor program came out of the legislation of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. This policy was brought forth at the end of World War II. The J-1 is a “non-immigrant visa category … for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs” (U.S. Department of State, J-1 Visa Basics). The J-1 has many subcategories, including Au Pairs, Summer Work Travel, College and University Student, Intern, Trainee and many more. The J-1 visa subcategories that will be the focus of this capstone paper are the Intern and Trainee programs. The Intern and Trainee programs are used to bring individuals into the United States to do paid training and internship programs with a focus on education and cultural exchange. The J-1 Exchange Visitor program was enacted to help bridge cultures and communities from around the world. It was a way to connect Americans with international individuals and for them to share and learn technical skills in a variety of different fields. It was a way of educating and building connections. Since 2017, the J-1 Exchange Visitor program has been brought to the forefront and there has been serious conversation about cutting the program based on a variety of reasons. This capstone paper looks at the J-1 Trainee and Intern Exchange Visitor program and assesses whether or not it is fulfilling its original purpose as an educational and cultural exchange program. Based on the evidence collected from interviews and surveys, the J-1 Trainee and Intern Exchange Visitor program is fulfilling its original purpose as an educational and cultural exchange program
Language and Personal Growth in Study Abroad
Get PDFLanguage and Personal Growth in Study Abroad will explore student perceptions of the role language learning during study abroad played in four key areas of personal growth: self-confidence, ability to problem-solve, learning about their host culture, and learning about themselves. This study aims to highlight and increase understanding of the individual’s study abroad experience. Eight students participated in this research. Data was collected from participants through an online survey and through individual semi-structured interviews. Student blogs written both pre-departure and during study abroad were also analyzed. Findings reveal a belief amongst participants that language learning helped them to become more confident interacting with native speakers and more adept at finding creative solutions to communicative problems. Findings also suggest that through the use of host languages, participants were able to understand more about cultural values of their host communities. Finally, participants described various lessons learned about themselves, including insights related to open-mindedness, independence, and negative attitudes and thought-patterns. Findings also revealed the perceptions that participants had about language learning in general, particularly the importance many of them placed on an immersion environment. This research will help international educators, language professors, and administrators understand the value of language learning in a study abroad context. In doing so, this research will provide a rationale for improved preparation and support for students going abroad. Future inquiry into how students form their perceptions about language learning will provide a greater understanding of the student experience abroad
Hands-On with On-Site Students? Exploration of the Expanding Role of the Third-Party Provider Education Abroad Advisor
Get PDFAccording to the Forum on Education Abroad’s State of the Field 2017 survey, more students on average studied abroad with third-party providers than with both private and public institutions combined in the 2016-2017 academic year. However, many of the resources available and best practices for the profession are focused toward advisors who work at institutions of higher education. These resources often discuss how contact with on-site students should be established, but only vague references are made for advisors employed by a provider. This study discusses the potential impacts that education abroad advisors at third-party providers may have on the student experience by maintaining contact with their on-site students, as well as what implications these results have for the profession. Using theories of student development, and utilizing the resources currently in existence for third-party providers, advisors at third-party providers were surveyed and interviewed, and the websites of several third-party providers were analyzed to determine what current practices are in place for maintaining contact with on-site students, if at all. This research concludes that many education abroad advisors maintain contact with on-site students, whether or not their provider organizes their role to take part in this communication. Education abroad advisors at third-party providers should develop strategies based on their organizational needs to support students in their on-site transition in anticipation of this contact
Addressing the Assumption; A Case Study on Student Motivations and Barriers to Study Second Language Abroad
Get PDFHistorically, second language learning and study abroad programming have run in natural conjunction. However, in recent years there has been a slow but steady decline in the number of foreign language students in higher education who are choosing to study abroad to further their second language acquisition. This study explores this topic through a case study at Marquette University, and aims to answer the research question: What are the motivations and barriers of foreign language students to study their second language abroad? Using a student survey and in-person interviews with professionals in the field, data is collected on the most significant student motivators and deterrents to study abroad, and responses are then presented and analyzed for meaning. This data, in turn, helps to inform advising practices for Marquette’s education abroad team and concludes with recommendations for further research. With connection to motivational theories such as Self-Determination Theory and the Socio-Educational Model as a conceptual framework, this small study connects theory to data and sheds light on this topic within foreign language in a study abroad context
Tribal Law at the Crossroads of Modernity: A Study on Jordanian Attitudes towards Jalwa
Get PDFThis research aims to examine Jordanian attitudes towards the tribal law practice of Jalwa and its recent reform. The study specifically focuses on the role of modernization in shaping these attitudes. Historical literature and social constructivist theories are used to inform and contextualize this approach. To measure modernization’s impact, a two-dimensional framework was developed that compares opinions across generations (isolating change over time) and across region of upbringing (change over space). Subsequently, there are two hypotheses guiding this research. The first argues that youth see jalwa less favorably than the older generation and thus lend greater support to the reform. The second argues that citizens who grew up in urban areas see jalwa less favorably than those from rural areas, also making them more likely to support the reform. The results of this study do not support the first hypothesis but do support the second. These findings suggest that the impact of modernization in the context of jalwa reform may be more apparent across space than across time. The paper explores the significant practical and theoretical implications of these findings while taking into consideration underlying themes within the research. Ultimately, this study chronicles Jordan’s journey towards reconciling tribal traditions in the 21st century