How to deal with extremes as an international researcher: From deserted islands to winter in the Boreal forest

As an international student, challenges in the field can seem overwhelming while working in an unfamiliar environment within an unfamiliar culture. Josué Arteaga Torres, the current Vice-chair of the Inclusive Ecology section, will share his experience doing fieldwork in both his home country of Ecuador and in Alberta, Canada, during his graduate program. Miscommunication and cultural barriers are some of the many challenges that could arise during fieldwork. Being honest and having an open system of communication will improve not only your skills but also your experience in any field research position. Being flexible does not mean acting against your values and personal needs but instead being resilient and adaptive to the working conditions. Josué will also discuss how having the appropriate type of gear—not necessarily the most expensive—can make your life so much more enjoyable during fieldwork and truly allow the environment in which you are working to inspire rather than discourage you.