Simon Brody Caplan and Rachel Brzezicki, two students at Columbia University Undergraduate Program in Sustainable Development (SDEV), where we discuss our study abroad experiences and offer advice to students who want to embark on a similar adventure.
Q&A with Simon Brody Caplan
![simon brody caplan](https://sotp.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/BrodyCaplan.jpg)
Simon Brody Caplan, a fourth-generation Angeleno, earned his SDEV degree in February 2024. He is now back in Los Angeles working as a consultant at Ecomotion, a sustainability solutions company where he interned in the summer of 2023. Passionate about energy, local politics, and environmental law, he also dedicates his time to hobbies such as mountaineering, surfing, and sports. martial arts.
What attracted you to majoring in sustainable development?
I wanted to contribute to the preservation of a viable and beautiful natural world, but I believe this is not possible unless people's basic needs are met first. This has led me to value the inclusive and socially engaged framework that sustainable development provides. And because environmental and climate issues are urgent and scientifically well-understood, it is time to focus on political and institutional intervention. I felt that majoring in sustainable development would help me better understand how all these aspects fit together and are interconnected.
What are your career aspirations? How has the SDEV program influenced those aspirations?
I want to sleep at night knowing that my work is making a difference, no matter how small. SDEV made me think about the ethics at work in the global economic system and the effects of global climate change. My education has made me even more committed to taking action to fight climate change.
Please share information about your experiences abroad.
The program I participated in at the International Training School was called „Argentina: People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica.'' We were based in Ushuaia, the capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province. Locals call Ushuaia the end of the world. It is located quite south, at the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego. I think this is the most beautiful scenery I've ever seen, but I also had the opportunity to go to Antarctica during my time abroad. My study abroad highlights included collaborating with Magellanic penguins in the Beagle Channel, developing an original research project with local biologists, a late dinner with an amazing host family, a once-in-a-lifetime hike, and It involves connecting with people.
Why did you want to spend a semester abroad and how long did it take you to prepare for the trip?
I was interested in this program for two main reasons. I wanted to improve my Spanish skills and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. I'm definitely much better at Spanish now. And spending time in the beauty of southern Patagonia did not disappoint. I went abroad my last semester after completing all my SDEV requirements, so planning my trip was administratively easy. It took about a month and a half to complete most of the administrative work.
What was the best part about studying abroad? What was the most difficult part?
There were many good things about my semester abroad. It's great to feel like you can build a life somewhere and be able to come back and live there at some point in the future. Specifically, it was great to have a strong bond with my host family, and it was great to be able to explore new landscapes. The independent research project options offered by SIT have very interesting possibilities. I found my independent research project much more enlightening and satisfying than my SDEV senior capstone project.
What advice do you have for students who want to spend a semester abroad?
Just do it, don't worry too much for the first few weeks, and give yourself time to settle in. Also, if you have a host family, try to build a connection with them and give yourself the opportunity to jump in with them by being flexible with your lifestyle, diet, schedule, etc.
Q&A with Rachel Brzezicki
![Rachel Brzezicki on the Columbia campus at night](https://sotp.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RachelBrzezicki-525x650.jpg)
![Rachel Brzezicki on the Columbia campus at night](https://sotp.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RachelBrzezicki-525x650.jpg)
Rachel Brezicky is from Kent County, Delaware and is currently a third year student in the SDEV program. Besides her academic pursuits, she finds inspiration in observing nature and travel documentaries. She loves learning new languages with her Duolingo and exploring exhibitions and events throughout New York City. Lately, she has been delving into watercolor as a new creative outlet.
What attracted you to the Sustainable Development major or special major?
I've been aware of climate change and sustainability for as long as I can remember, but it wasn't until the pandemic that I really felt the urgency of it. Around that time, I was applying to universities, looking for a program that would give me technical skills, field experience, and a holistic, practical understanding of environmental studies. Columbia had the most unique and comprehensive program to date. The resulting experience constantly reaffirms my passion for sustainable development.
What are your career aspirations and how has SDEV influenced those aspirations?
I am particularly interested in nature-based solutions and how they can improve the quality of life of local communities while working with local ecosystems. I would like to contribute to research while using nature-based solutions as tools for advocacy. SDEV has taken full advantage of the opportunities available to us in New York and beyond. I spent a weekend in the Catskill Mountains learning about the people involved in managing New York City's high-quality drinking water and maintaining that system. We were able to hear from guest speakers and professors active in environmental justice, urban ecology, and many other fields. At the same time, SDEV offers courses in both natural and social sciences. I love fieldwork and data analysis, but I'm also interested in understanding historical and political context. With SDEV, you can do it all and build a holistic approach to sustainability.
Please share information about your experiences abroad.
I spent the fall 2023 semester in Costa Rica, learning first-hand about this country's cultural approach to sustainability. I visited organic farms, agroforests, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, cloud forests, and more. I spent my last month of the program working on a directed research project in Monteverde, studying the food access barriers faced by people in the region related to tourism, transportation, and transportation. Verdes regional currency. We spent a week surveying community members, farmers market vendors, and visitors, collecting food price data, and working with the Monteverde Institute to help local farmers markets address food security. , we understood how we are achieving our goal of promoting social cohesion.
Why did you want to spend a semester abroad and how long did it take you to prepare for the trip?
I have long been fascinated by Costa Rica's commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. Ever since I was in high school, I wanted to study abroad to learn more deeply. I applied to her program in February 2023. It didn't take him long to prepare, especially since his SD EV major was almost finished and most of the courses he took in Costa Rica fulfilled the remaining requirements he needed.
What was the best part about studying abroad? What was the most difficult part?
I learn best when I'm actively involved in the field, and this was the perfect program for that. Every day and week was different, and much of our time was spent on overnight field trips to different parts of the country. I saw so much of the country as part of the program that I didn't have to worry about exploring it on my own. The hardest part was the lack of personal space and privacy. There were 24 people in my class. We slept, ate, and studied together. I've made some really good friends because of this structure, but I wish I had more alone time to really recharge when I needed it.
What advice do you have for students who want to spend a semester abroad?
Make sure the program you are interested in aligns with your personal goals. Reach out to multiple alumni and get their honest opinions, both good and bad.