Skip to main content

Appalachian Today

News and events at Appalachian State University
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Accolades
  • Alumni
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Athletics
  • Awards and Honors
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Gifts and Grants
  • Global
  • Health and Wellness
  • Publications
  • Research and Creative Works
  • Safety
  • Scholarships
  • Students
  • Sustainability
☰ Menu
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
View larger image

With Ausangate Mountain looming large in the background, Dr. Baker Perry and his research group traverse a trail from the Jampa Pass, at an elevation of about 16,400 feet. Local Peruvians consider the mountain to be sacred. Photo by Marie Freeman

From the Appalachians to the Andes

A Peru study abroad becomes a metaphor for the Appalachian Experience

Introduction by Alex Jansen and Linda Coutant
Posted March 15, 2019 at 4:30 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — From the highest peaks to the Amazon rainforest floor, two groups of students led by Appalachian State University professors trekked through Peru in summer 2018.

The three-week expedition distilled how many view the Appalachian Experience: As Mountaineers, we value and explore other cultures and welcome challenges to help us grow. Our research should serve others and undergo real-life practice. We learn to recognize the sometimes thin line between surviving and thriving — for ourselves and the planet. As a result, students gain a more globally informed perspective that sets the stage for lifelong learning.

Experience the journey, learn more about the students and professors who made the expedition and take in what they witnessed along the way:

Climbing into thin air for climate research
Climbing into thin air for climate research
March 15, 2019

A faculty-led study abroad in Peru supports NSF experiments and student learning.

Read the story
Appalachian’s international collaboration yields renewable solutions for Peru village
Appalachian’s international collaboration yields renewable solutions for Peru village
March 15, 2019

Appalachian students traversed Peru with the focus of studying and implementing renewable energy solutions in remote areas of the country.

Read the story
Dr. Baker Perry — 'cornerstone of research’ in Appalachia and the Andes
Dr. Baker Perry — 'cornerstone of research’ in Appalachia and the Andes
March 15, 2019

Dr. Baker Perry, professor in App State’s Department of Geography and Planning, has involvement and research interests in the tropical Andes and Appalachian Mountains. His work in studying precipitation, snow and ice, tropical glacier–climate interactions and climate change helps affected populations plan for the future.

Read the story
The graduate experience: conferences, collaboration and scaling the Andes
The graduate experience: conferences, collaboration and scaling the Andes
Aug. 16, 2018

As a graduate student studying geography at Appalachian, Heather Guy did fieldwork in the remote Andes in Peru and Bolivia — far removed from her prior days spent in front of a computer screen.

Read the story
A different point of view
A different point of view
March 15, 2019

Through her lens and personal narrative, Appalachian Photographer Marie Freeman focuses on one Peruvian citizen scientist’s story of the impact of climate change.

Read the story
Peak to peak — Mountaineers study abroad in Peru
Peak to peak — Mountaineers study abroad in Peru
March 15, 2019

Learn about the Peruvian study abroad experience and climate change research of Appalachian State University students and faculty through nine brief videos.

Watch the videos
Peru study abroad programs, summer 2018
Peru study abroad programs, summer 2018
Feb. 21, 2019

View photos from two Appalachian faculty-led study abroad programs in Peru that focused on climate research and sustainable energy practices.

View the gallery

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Global learning at a glance
  • 3rd
    Appalachian’s national ranking for number of students who participate in short-term study abroad programs
  • 44
    The number of countries represented by international students on Appalachian's campus in fall 2018
  • 73
    The percent of Appalachian study abroad participants who graduate within four years
  • 41
    The percent of Appalachian’s student body that enrolled in at least one Global Learning designated course in fall 2018

Source: Office of International Education and Development

Learn more

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

Global learning at a glance
  • 3rd
    Appalachian’s national ranking for number of students who participate in short-term study abroad programs
  • 44
    The number of countries represented by international students on Appalachian's campus in fall 2018
  • 73
    The percent of Appalachian study abroad participants who graduate within four years
  • 41
    The percent of Appalachian’s student body that enrolled in at least one Global Learning designated course in fall 2018

Source: Office of International Education and Development

Learn more

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Share

Topics

  • Diversity
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Global
  • Research and Creative Works
  • Students
  • Sustainability

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

Share

Topics

  • Diversity
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Global
  • Research and Creative Works
  • Students
  • Sustainability

Other Recent Posts

  • Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
    Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
  • Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
    Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
  • N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
    N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
  • App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
    App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
  • App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    WFDD
  • Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
    Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
  • App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
    App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
  • Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
    Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
  • $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
    $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
  • App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
    App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
  • Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
    Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
  • 12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide
    12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Galleries
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • COVID updates
  • Contact

App State

Copyright 2025 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

University Communications
ASU Box 32153
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6156
[email protected]

Abouts

Disclaimer | EO Policy | Accessibility | Website manager: montaldipa (beltmr) .. | Website Feedback

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Snapchat