Importance of Study Abroad
I believe that study abroad programs are not just a way to travel it a way to deeply impact the student. These programs help students develop independence. They open students up to completely different cultures that previously they only could learn about through traditional sources. They also teach students to see their own culture through different viewpoint. These skills are become more important in an interconnected international community.
I was lucky enough to be in two different style programs. I participated in a short term and long-term program. These programs opened me up two different styles of education and cultures. These experiences have better prepared me to work with international students. They help me become a more understand, social aware, and patient person. Below is more information about when I studied in Cusco, Peru and Chiang Mai, Thailand.
University of Central Florida
Cusco, Peru
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During the Spring semester of 2018, I participated in a transnational service learning course in Cusco, Peru through the University of Central Florida. This course focused on youth, women, and leadership. In this course we explored the city’s history on the ground level and volunteered in the Instituto Cultural Peruano Norteamericano Cusco also known as ICPNA. This class helped me develop my own leadership skills. During this time, I was able to lead an English lesson focused on Math actives. I also participated in a transgenerational discussion with local women. In this discussion we focused on different definitions of what it meant to be a woman. We compared American and Peruvian stories on the subject.This course helped me explore cultural differences while also helping me develop my leadership skills.
Below are PDFs of the course’s itinerary, three lesson plans that we participated in implementing, a personal reflection, and a presentation that UCF faculty present about the program .
There is also a link to the school’s website and a link to more information about UCF involvement in LAS projects.
Rotary International
Chiang Mai, Thailand
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From August 2007 to May 2008 I was a part of Rotary International Youth Exchange program. I was chosen to represent District 5010 as an international ambassador. I was sent to Chiang Mai, Thailand to live there a full academic year. I study at Regina Coeli College, an all-girl catholic school. This was one of the best experiences of my life. I met so many amazing people and was able to experience a completely different culture. Through Rotary I was able to experience life in three families. Through the program I developed a sense of self and learn how to present myself as an American ambassador. It’s hard to summarize how much this program influenced my life.
Below is a link to information about the program.
Also the Map shows the location of the school in Chiang Mai.