Study Abroad Journal Online
Tag: Dr Steven A Martin
Tiputini – Treasure of the Amazon
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In 2003, the Study Abroad Journal visited the Tiputini Biodiversity Research Station located deep in the Amazon's Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve. As lead researcher I was personally exposed to the sensitive and fragile nature of the contiguous area, and wrote the following recommendation on behalf of the the Study Abroad Journal and the Universidad San Fransico de Quito (USFQ).
Study Abroad Journal strongly recommends that the Tiputini Biodiversity Research Station and surrounding neighborhood be entirely cosseted specifically for the purposes of study and conservancy in the name of all humanity -- and the intact area be placed under protective international supervision. This plan should be developed as soon as possible.
Above the forest canopy, an outpost of the Tiputini Biodiversity Station with Franklin, our Quechua guide
As part of the globalizing world, Ecuador’s universities share in the opportunity and responsibility of caring for the environment, and to cultivate the sustainable management of the Amazon Basin. In this context, we must support USFQ and all Ecuadorians to safeguard the rainforests’ vital natural beauty and diversity for future generations, insuring against destruction of the Tiputini area’s natural treasures.
Ecuador's Western Amazon | On the way to the Tiputini Biodiversity Station
Presently, many people in Ecuador are not deeply concerned about the conservation and protection of natural resources in the Amazon, and without these concepts in mind, and the lack of education in this respect, individuals cannot realize the extent that contaminates enter into the environment. Affecting all our lives, it’s difficult to know how seriously future planned developments will further affect and penetrate the Amazon’s land, water and sky.
The first priority is to help students and scientists to understand how much damage is being made from our environmental ignorance. These serious impacts are not only on Ecuadorians and their younger/incoming generations’ health, but also Ecuador’s future and long-term economy, which greatly depends on a sustainable environment. USFQ and Tiputini promote programs and awareness that innovate and cultivate environmental sustainability.
USFQ and Tiputini bring environmental awareness into the classroom and the education system, assisting Ecuador’s education engine to power and encourage research that innovates environmental sustainability, creating jobs and economic drive to research, monitor, and promote awareness.
Quechua guides at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station | Study Abroad Journal
USFQ sets a wonderful example as a progressive university that demonstrates responsibility. Ecuador’s future economy depends on its environment and setting a good example will be contagious to other universities! Ecuador must sustain and perpetuate the Tiputini station and support its isolation. If jeopardized, the unique biodiversity of this environment can never be reestablished or duplicated, resulting in the irreparable loss for Ecuador and all humanity regarding science, health, medicine, and the many educational mysteries still waiting to be unraveled♦
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Sincerely,
Dr. Steven A. Martin, Study Abroad Journal
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The original Study Abroad Journal Tiputini Biodiversity Station support letter is available in English and Chinese:
Tiputini Biodiversity Station: a biological treasure trove in western Amazon rainforest
Surf Tourism Research
Surf Tourism Research is a natural fit for students studying abroad and in some cases students can earn university credits while catching waves...
Dr. Jess Ponting at San Diego State University's Center for Surf Research suggests: "Students who are stoked on surfing are by necessity invested in and passionate about the well-being of the coastal and marine environments they are surfing in and the people who live there. This passion can be leveraged to create an incredibly powerful learning environment in the world’s best laboratory – the real world."
The Center for Surf Research is leading the way in surf tourism programs that holistically benefit local communities in remote areas around the planet -- Their vision includes that through the principles of sustainable tourism, "Surf tourism promotes healthy lifestyles and is a key driver for the environmental, social/cultural, and economic well being of destinations."
The Center for Surf Research is a non-profit research and teaching center housed in SDSU’s Sustainable Tourism Program under the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The Center provides leadership in the struggle for sustainability in surf tourism...
Based on the Study Abroad Journal Editor's systematic review of surf tourism research with the Journal of Sport and Tourism, students, researchers and industry professionals can connect through research articles on Dr Steven A Martin's Surf Tourism Research Page.
The full article is available at:
Martin, S. A., & Assenov, I. (2012). The genesis of a new body of sport tourism literature: A systematic review of surf tourism research (1997-2011). Journal of Sport and Tourism, 17(4), 257–287. doi:10.1080/14775085.2013.766528
University Filmworks
University Filmworks offers film and production opportunities to universities around the world seeking to internationalize and digitally transform educational systems.
Specializing in international education programs, UFW stimulates intellectual curiosity alongside global understanding and interest in study abroad and educational and opportunities worldwide.
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY – WITH UNIVERSITY FILMWORKS AND EDUCATION ABROAD ASIA
Training and Education
UFW also provides training and education in filmmaking for students and faculty though courses and workshops. We work closely with Education Abroad Asia with an office at the Prince of Songkla University on the resort island of Phuket, Thailand, and the US-based Study Abroad Journal.
We come to you--our crew is mobile and available internationally.
Thai Cooking Class
Professor Interview
University Filmworks was made possible through the volunteer time and patience of Edward E. Vaughan (1942-2018), accomplished Associate Director (CBS News) and Assistant Director, Production Manager, Producer and Director on many popular TV shows and movies.
In memory of Ed Vaughan's professional history in the Hollywood film industry, his filmography has been listed on the IMDb website.
Production Areas
Documentary
News report
Brand video
Testimonial
Commercial
Ethnographic
Feature film
International Student Interview
Education Abroad Asia
EDUCATION ABROAD ASIA – STUDY IN PHUKET, THAILAND
Study in Phuket
Education Abroad Asia provides fun and affordable study abroad on the resort island of Phuket, Thailand...
FUN AND AFFORDABLE
Based in the USA, this program is low cost and offers direct enrollment programs with other international students.
Direct enrollment means that international undergraduate students can enroll in courses at Prince of Songkla University in Phuket, Thailand and share classes with Thai and foreign students. While the majority of students are Thai, approximately twenty-five percent of students come from Europe, China and other countries in Southeast Asia.
COST AND DETAILS
Including tuition, books and clean, well-located housing either on or near campus, the cost of a semester in Phuket is currently $5,750.
The on-campus Program Director is Dr. Steven A. Martin, a graduate of Prince of Songkla University, a consistently ranked a leading research university in Thailand. Dr. Martin holds a PhD in Environmental Management (Coastal Management) and teaches courses in East and Southeast Asian Civilizations, Thai Geography, and Environmental Studies.
NEW VIDEOS
Education Abroad Asia runs the Phuket Film Club for American and other international exchange students. Together with our partner organization, University Filmworks, we enjoy making videos and teaching acting and film production with our students.
In these EAA Videos, Dr. Martin introduces the "Study in Phuket" program in less than 3 minutes, conducts a personal interview with "KK", an outstanding American student, and provides a fun take on our university lunch – just ONE DOLLAR – for traditional and delicious Thai food on campus!
Dr Steven A Martin
Dr. Martin is an Assistant Professor of Asian Studies in Sociology and Anthropology at the Department of Thai Studies, Faculty of International Studies, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, Thailand. His research interests fall into two main areas, namely Asian Studies, focused on ethnohistorical research on the Bunun, an Austronesian-speaking Taiwanese indigenous group, and Environmental Management, focused on sustainable surf tourism, coastal resources, and tourism management.
StevenAndrewMartin.com
As an undergraduate, Steven participated in 9 US-based study abroad programs, including those in Costa Rica (University Study Abroad Consortium — USAC), South Africa (School for International Training — SIT), Spain (College Consortium for International Studies — CCIS), China (Peking University — PKU), and Taiwan (Ming Hsin University of Science and Technology — MUST).
He has an AA in Liberal Arts through the Hawaii Community College, a BA (Liberal Studies) in Chinese Culture & Philosophy from the University of Hawaii, an MA in Taiwan Studies from National Chengchi University, Taipei, ROC, and an MBA in Hospitality and Tourism Management and PhD in Environmental Management from Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.
Online Journal
Featuring original content, the primary focus of Study Abroad Journal is the editing and publication of outstanding student photo-journals relevant to experiential learning abroad and international education.
We are a student-centered peer-reviewed journal
Submissions are welcome from students, faculty, admin and anyone looking to share their international education experience and insight.
Featured Article – The Jewel of Travel
The Journal features 8 Departments or topic areas of high interest:
Film Production
Reviewing and featuring student-produced films and videos
LIGHTS - CAMERA - ACTION
- Student film production
- Developing independent educational film projects.
- Consulting for education abroad filmworks.
Learn more about Study Abroad Journal Film
Study Abroad Journal works in association with University Filmworks in developing brand films, testimonials, documentaries and other education-related films and videos.
Hong Kong Education Venues
News Reporting
Study Abroad Journalism
Study Abroad Journal is an independent reporter and news source.
With the majority of information on study abroad programs generated directly by the organizations themselves, there is a need and place for independent and objective research and news reporting.
What Makes a University Great?
Workshops
Film and Photojournalism Training
A unique feature of Study Abroad Journal are international courses and workshops available to students and faculty.
Film is a dynamic aspect of journalism when considering the technical nature of managing lighting, sound, and the camera when in the field. Study Abroad Journal and University Filmworks offer fun and dynamic workshops and short courses at home and abroad.
Programs are tailored to meet the needs of students with emphasis in 8 Departments
Writing and Publication Support
We offer workshops for those seeking expertise and publication at the popular magazine level to the academic research level.
For international students and faculty, complete course materials are provided on our "How to Publish in International Journals" workshop page provided by Associate Professor Dr. Raymond Ritchie.
