Herbert Covert

Did you study abroad as a student? What was your international experience like?

While I did not participate in a study abroad program as a student, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of an international research team in the Egyptian Sahara desert on two occasions. These wonderful experiences allowed me to see firsthand that people from various backgrounds could have very similar interests and work quite effectively with one another. It also provided the opportunity to sample delicious foods and see amazing sights inspiring me to a career of international explorations.

Why should Anthropology majors study abroad?

Anthropology majors are encouraged to appreciate and respect all cultures and a great way to do so is to study abroad. In addition, contemporary anthropological research focuses on not only humans but also nonhuman primates, a radiation of impressively diverse animals primarily inhabiting the tropics – thus another reason to study abroad. Anthropology majors are also challenged to appreciate that local issues are often related to global forces, studying abroad allows students to see and understand such tensions first hand.

Why is Vietnam such an excellent location for your Global Seminar?

Vietnam is an excellent location for this global seminar because it provides students the opportunity to see the relations and contradictions between economic development and biodiversity conservation. We will be able to visit a nature reserve, a national park, and a biosphere reserve that are home to beautiful nonhuman primates and impressive landscapes that highlight tensions between development and conservation. Moreover, Vietnam is a vibrant, welcoming, and safe country that promises to make a lasting positive impression on all students that participate in this global seminar. I have more than 20 years of research experience in collaboration with Vietnamese colleagues that will allow me to provide students an informed and exciting look at primate conservation in this rapidly developing country.

What is your favorite Vietnamese food?

Bún cha, a pork and rice noodle dish, is my very favorite but I love many other items including tofu simmered in tomatoes, grilled cuttlefish, fresh spring rolls, and water spinach with garlic.

What aspect of this program do you look forward to the most?

Taking students on hikes into a tropical forest where they will be able to see, hear, and smell the complexities of a rich ecosystem. I also look forward to watching students engage some of my Vietnamese partners on primate conservation topics where I anticipate the CU students will be in awe of the dedicated work of our Vietnamese counterparts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Fundamental to anthropology is participant observation and this global seminar will provide students a big first step into this captivating endeavor.

Last Updated January 2024