Explorando el conocimiento indígena en una gira educativa universitaria: un viaje de inmersión en los sistemas alimentarios mayas

This essay analyzes a study trip to the Yucatán Peninsula for students from Montana State University, co-organized by faculty from the U.S. and Mexico. The trip included interactions with Maya communities, agroecosystem management, food preparation, and ceremonies. The students were exposed to intercultural experiences and gained a critical understanding of food sovereignty and traditional ecological knowledge. Through an approach that combined academic preparation with immersive fieldwork, participants connected theoretical concepts related to agroecology and food systems with contemporary applications in Maya communities. Interactions among university students and faculty, farmers, community organizations, and other local stakeholders allowed participants to appreciate the significance of intergenerational knowledge transmission, biodiversity conservation, and the protection of biocultural heritage. This experience facilitated a deep understanding among participants of how cultural revitalization and identity strengthening contribute to the resilience of Maya food systems in the face of socioeconomic, political, and environmental pressures. The essay ultimately reflects on the value of immersive study tours for developing intercultural competencies and preparing professionals to address complex food system challenges through collaborative and place-based learning.