What inspired you to go abroad?
As a biologist and a geologist, the goal for my partner and me was to use the gap year between our bachelor's and master's degrees to experience and discover Peru's incredible ecological and geological diversity firsthand. Peru fascinated us because it offers far more than just a single ecosystem—it is a remarkable combination of arid deserts, majestic mountain ranges, and a multifaceted rainforest.
We were especially drawn to the ecological diversity within the Amazon region itself, wanting to explore the contrast between the species-rich lowland rainforest and the Andean cloud forests directly in the field.
Having three months to explore these different habitats and understand their complex interconnections was the ultimate opportunity for us to connect our academic background with real experiences.
Why did you choose Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon?
We chose the research internship at Finca Las Piedras, organized by ASA in Puerto Maldonado, because it provided the perfect environment to combine hands-on fieldwork with academic growth. The primary factor in our decision was the station’s strategic location in one of the most biodiverse regions of the Amazon rainforest.
However, what really stood out was ASA’s commitment to fostering young scientists. The program is specifically designed to empower students, offering us the unique opportunity to conduct our own independent research project while simultaneously learning about the daily operations of a professional research station.
Beyond the technical skills and scientific methodologies we gained, the collaborative atmosphere was invaluable; it was incredibly inspiring to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals who share a deep passion for science and conservation.
What was your favorite part about Peru?
Since our host 'city' was actually a remote research station deep in the jungle, our absolute favorite part was the location itself. Being stationed right in the middle of the rainforest allowed us—for the very first time—to truly live inside the forest for a whole month.
The setting was breathtaking because it offered direct access to several completely different ecosystems within walking distance: from the unique palm swamp (aguajal) and secondary regenerating forests to the massive, awe-inspiring primary rainforest.
Waking up to that biodiversity and having such a diverse natural laboratory right on our doorstep was an unforgettable, immersive experience that completely changed how we view and appreciate tropical ecosystems.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made our time abroad truly extraordinary was the combination of sharing this incredible three-month journey with my partner and experiencing Peru’s breathtaking diversity—both ecologically and culturally.
Traveling from Europe into a completely different environment allowed us to immerse ourselves not just in fascinating new ecosystems, but also in the rich and diverse cultures of Peru. Within that journey, spending a month living right inside the rainforest at the research station was a profound highlight. The incredible people at the station welcomed and supported us, turning it into a second home.
And on a daily, very practical level, the food throughout Peru—and especially at the station—was extraordinarily delicious and varied. Picking fresh bananas straight from the tree and eating avocados right off the branch every day was just the cherry on top!
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff and team at Finca Las Piedras supported us in ways that truly shaped our entire experience. Right from the start during the planning phase, Joana, Geoff, and Joana Duran provided incredible help and guidance, organizing a station that has successfully fostered research for a decade.
Once we arrived, the support continued on every level. Michelle, our project coordinator for the year, was an absolute role model: she gave us incredible support in developing our independent research project, patiently corrected our final reports, and was always open for great conversations.
We also want to give a shoutout to the Lepidoptera team, Jason, Carla, and Zony who were exceptionally helpful with my project. Sofia Batista, our resident ecologist during our time there, taught us a massive amount about the rainforest and quickly became a close friend and trusted confidant for both my partner and me.
And we cannot forget daily life at the station: Donna Berta and Don Guillermo in the kitchen went completely out of their way to cook delicious vegetarian meals for us every single time, and always had fresh bananas ready whenever we kindly asked.
We truly wish them all the best! Their collective dedication, warmth, and expertise turned the station into a home away from home.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
If there is one thing I wish we had done differently, it would be to have arrived even earlier. Although our program officially started in June, I would have loved to experience the tail end of the rainy season firsthand, as I believe the forest dynamics during that time would be fascinating to observe from a scientific perspective.
Furthermore, I definitely wish we could have stayed longer than just one month at the station. Time simply flew by, and because the rainforest is so incredibly vast and complex, we were just getting into the rhythm of our fieldwork and truly grasping the ecosystem’s interconnectedness when it was already time to leave.
If I could do it again, I would definitely extend our stay to dive even deeper into the environment and uncover more of its hidden wonders.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day at the research station was a perfect mix of structured learning and intense, hands-on fieldwork. Our day usually started early with breakfast at 7:00 AM, setting the pace for the day ahead.
Depending on the schedule, either the morning or the afternoon was dedicated to informative workshops or guided group excursions where we explored different parts of the forest. The remaining half of the day was reserved for our independent research projects.
For me, as a biologist focused on amphibians, the real magic happened after dark. Following dinner at 7:00 PM, my partner and I would head out into the forest or the palm swamps. These night surveys were the highlight of my day; equipped with our gear and flashlights, we would search for rare species, documenting their presence and behavior in their natural nocturnal habitat.
It was exhausting but incredibly rewarding work that truly brought our scientific interest to life.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During our free time, especially on weekends, we consciously chose to stay at the station rather than heading into the city. We simply enjoyed the environment too much to leave!
My partner and I spent most of our weekends further exploring the primary rainforest. The station’s extensive, intricate network of trails offered endless possibilities to discover new parts of the forest, each with its own unique characteristics. These walks were never just recreational; they were a continued exploration of biodiversity. Often, if our friend and ecologist Sofia had time, we would join her for these excursions.
Those were our favorite moments, as she would point out details we otherwise would have missed and share her profound knowledge about the ecosystem, which made every weekend hike an incredibly educational and inspiring experience.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
Our accommodation consisted of a large room equipped with bunk beds—offering space for four people in total, though I shared the room with just one other male intern. What I liked best about it was the prime location: our room was situated right in the main building, placing us right in the heart of the research station.
Another highlight for me was that the electricity was turned off around 8:00 or 9:00 PM. Once the lights went out, total darkness took over, giving you the authentic, unforgettable feeling of truly living deep inside the rainforest.
Lying in bed surrounded by all the wonderful, mysterious sounds of the jungle and looking up at a breathtaking starry sky was an experience unlike anything else.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know is that this is a serious scientific research internship, not a summer camp for teenagers. Since my partner and I arrived two weeks before the other interns, we got to experience a very quiet, focused start, but once the full group arrived, things could get a bit wild at times.
It is crucial to remember that you are living right in the middle of the jungle with zero luxury, and the station deserves an appropriate level of respect—both in terms of behavior and attitude. If you are looking for party vibes and typical summer camp activities, this is definitely not the right place for you.
However, if your goal is to truly experience the rainforest, engage in real scientific fieldwork, and immerse yourself in nature, then this station is 100% recommended and will exceed your expectations.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend this program to others! If you have a passion for biology or ecology, this internship is an incredibly valuable experience. It starts with the exceptional organization and planning provided by the station; the program itself is comprehensive, well-structured, and offers a tremendous amount of support for your own independent research project.
What I particularly appreciate is that it doesn't matter whether you have previous experience in the rainforest or not. For me, it was my first time ever in a rainforest environment, and the team made the transition seamless. Whether you are a seasoned field researcher or someone just beginning their journey into tropical ecology, this station provides a safe, highly educational, and truly unforgettable experience.
It is a fantastic opportunity to grow both scientifically and personally, and I can highly recommend it to any student looking to gain real-world experience in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Reflecting on our entire three-month journey, the absolute biggest benefit of traveling abroad is the profound personal growth and self-confidence you gain by navigating completely unfamiliar environments and situations.
Every single day brings a wave of new experiences because everything around you is different—a new language, a new culture, unfamiliar foods, and wonderful people who step up to help you when you need it most. Navigating these daily challenges transforms how you see the world and yourself.
Furthermore, being able to share this incredible adventure with my partner and create a lifetime of shared memories together made it even more special. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have experienced this journey side by side, and the memories we built will stay with us forever.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Since returning home, my time abroad has fundamentally shaped my everyday life and mindset in several ways.
First, I have become much more open-minded toward people, and I find myself much more empathetic when meeting travelers here at home, knowing firsthand how overwhelming and entirely new everything can feel to them.
Traveling taught me to deeply appreciate people and helped me realize that, despite cultural differences, we are ultimately not so different after all; no matter where we come from, we all share the same fundamental human needs and the desire to be well and happy.
Finally, navigating so many new and challenging situations during our journey has made me much braver and more confident in facing whatever comes next.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means stepping away from traditional tourism and instead immersing yourself deeply, respectfully, and consciously in a destination. It is about actively trying to adapt to the local culture rather than acting like an invasive tourist.
For us, this meant trying to live as much like the locals as possible—trying local dishes, engaging in conversations with residents, and learning firsthand what daily life is like in Peru's different regions. It means moving beyond being a passive observer to truly connecting with the environment, culture, and people around you.
Traveling with purpose allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the world, foster genuine human connections, and return home with a transformed perspective that deeply values global diversity and conservation.
