It’s a sunny day in September and Beth Campbell’s oceanography class has recently returned from class at UMaine’s Darling Marine Center on Pemaquid Point, a coastal research center for marine research and education.
Using Maine as a resource for education, inside and outside the classroom, is an important theme in John Bapst’s life science classes. Having students disconnect temporarily from an ever-changing world to ground themselves in Maine’s naturally rich landscape is a great tool for teaching. It is also a way for international students to develop a deeper understanding of the state, and gain a vibrant perspective of Maine’ s environmental and cultural heritage.
“It was interesting visiting the Maine coast because it looked so different from the Vietnam coast. It was a fun experience observing the different types of organisms and unique rock features. It helped me see the beauty of Maine,” said Avery Tran, a senior student from Hanoi, Vietnam.