Iowa students “thrilled to be” in Sri Lanka to study biological and plant science

WASHINGTON – A group of American students andprofessors from the University of Dubuque in Iowa arrived in Sri Lanka recentlyas environmental tourists, taking part in a curriculum that includes a two-weekfield course in Sri Lanka. The visit is part of an effort to broadeneducational exchanges between Sri Lanka and the United States which in turnwill lead to an expansion of research opportunities for students in bothcountries.

Diversity and global learning have becomepopular methods of study within the United States, and the students areexpected to gain an insight on indigenous biological and plant expertise at theUniversity of Colombo and University of Peradeniya as part of their educationalexperience.

The Universityof Dubuque recognizes that Sri Lanka is an ideal location for research, becauseof its history, complex ecosystems, and its long rooted traditional values toconserve nature packed into a small island. The professors in this tour state that “We are thrilled to use beautifulSri Lanka as a large class room”. Thisfirsthand experience is far greater than one could get from a text book or fromthe internet.

The goals of the exchange include attaining abetter understanding of Sri Lankan culture and contemporary society, promoting“Educational Tourism,” in Sri Lanka and creating environmental awareness andconservation. The class work is also designed to provide an opportunity todevelop future collaboration with Sri Lankan universities and research programsand promote Sri Lanka as an ecological and conservation education hub.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington DC and SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier have extended their full cooperation andassistance to make this study tour a success.

Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington, D.C.