Mind Opening Experience in Peru

Chase Latka
Gender and Women's Studies
Education, Service and International Development in Peru, Summer I 2017

Studying abroad in Peru opened up my mind to the options I have with my major and minors moving forward after college. I didn’t realize that I had so many options when it came to my major. When arriving in Peru you are instantly smacked in the face with the realization that you are no longer in America. Culturally and economically both of these countries are very different and I left Peru with a bigger appreciation for where I come from, but also a pang of jealousy that the way we live has become so far removed from what used to be valued such as family, friends and fun.When going to Peru, my Spanish was shaky. I had taken 2 years of the language in High School but besides that I hadn’t had much experience. Surprisingly I got along better than I thought I was going to with the help of the students on the trip as well as the local Peruvians who were more than willing and excited to help me learn.

If you ever have the chance to study abroad I would recommend it 1 million percent.This two week experience opened my mind to so many things I hadn’t thought about before and there is nothing better than being in the place of where your lessons are taught.

Categories: South America, Peru, College of Arts and Sciences, Gender and Women's Studies, Academics, Course and credits, Cultural differences, Family and friends, Homecoming, Language, Reflection, Self care, Summer I.