THE ROLE OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN WATER RESOURCE PROJECTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Experience through a number of projects has shown the tremendous value obtained by including undergraduate students in water resources projects in developing countries. Among the benefits to the students are: (i) field application of classroom principals, (ii) close interaction in a multidisciplinary group of students, and (iii) exposure to a dramatically different cultural setting. Benefits to the project include: (i) removing cultural barriers between the native population and the project team, (ii) increased energy and efficiency in the field, and (iii) new insights into project objectives. Examples are drawn from recent projects in Haiti and Benin.