Auburn Abroad - Belize
As a high school senior sitting in microeconomics, I received an e-mail that would forever change my life. That e-mail came from the Auburn Abroad Office inviting me to apply to be a part of the Pre-Freshman Program in Belize. Shortly after I gladly applied, I became accepted and went on to travel to Belize with seven other pre-freshman for a week studying sustainability. Throughout our week, we learned about how to create a sustainable country as well as travel to many cities around the country. This trip strengthened my desire to travel and learn about the world around me.
Having English as the official language of Belize was very convenient and allowed to me to really learn about the places we were visiting. A few times, we did hear foreign languages being spoken and found out that these unheard of sounds were Mayan. This was one of the most interesting things about my experiences there. I underestimated how deep Mayan cultures ran in these kinds of civilizations and was blown away at how in touch some of these natives were.
From this point forward, I knew traveling and learning about cultures through living in them would become a huge part of my life and who I am.
Auburn Abroad - Costa Rica
After returning from Belize, I knew I had to study abroad again. But where? I did some research and with my Spanish background, I happily chose Costa Rica. I spent four weeks of my summer studying Spanish surrounded by magnificent mountains and my Tica family. Living with a host family was a change of scenery from my first study abroad experience, but it helped me value different cultures and appreciate the bond of family.
I traveled to many different places while I was in Costa Rica, not just my host city, San José. Through these adventures of white water rafting and staying in hostels, I was able to improve my Spanish as well as strengthen my adaptability to foreign environments. I appreciated the leniency the locals had regarding the language barrier and will forever cherish their kind help when I was lost.
My experiences in Costa Rica changed me and the way I view the world and I hope to continue my growth in travel and in Spanish throughout my life.
