Program and Location:
Fall, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (Galapagos Extension), San Cristobal Galapagos Island and Quito, Ecuador
Major/Minor:
Environmental science major, with a minor in biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
Why did you choose to study abroad?
This is a unique time in life where you don’t have too many commitments like a full-time job or a family. Being able to take advantage of that and have the opportunity to explore and grow on my own was an incredible thing. Also, I had never left the US before, and I knew this would make me more well-rounded. This is also important to not overlook: the money aspect and the transfer credits lined up, which is important when deciding if this is the right thing to do.
How did you pick your program?
When I found my program, it clicked and I knew it was the right one for me. Such that any fear I had regarding what was ahead turned to excitement. USFQ has an incredible system, with almost nothing I would have changed. Some things I fell in love with included the grantee that I would be able to travel through the program. I got to visit the Andes, Quito, the cloud forest, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Galapagos, through the program alone. I had the opportunity to stay with a host family and get involved on campus, becoming part of the community. All the while I knew I would be supported by program through everything. I could not recommend it enough.
What is something you learned about yourself? How are you different? How are you the same? Or, what did you realize about your own culture by living in another?
I think the biggest thing I took away is that I can be me no matter where I am. I experienced so many different people, Ideas, and settings. From my host family with a culture that was different from my own, to my great friends from the program from all over the world, to indigenous people who guided me through the rainforest, being able to ID an animal from every noise that rang through the canopy. I was the same person from Michigan that laughed with and learned from and become closer to all of them. Knowing that gives me an incredible amount of confidence in this world.
What advice would you give to another student?
When you go abroad, you are going to have countless adventures. The best gift you can give yourself is being prepared ahead of time. Take every trip seriously, even if it’s a day trip. Know what you need to pack, how you are going to prepare, and make a plan. That way your only concern is your experience. It is a great thing to be able to be dumb, not think, and take it all in. This is important: Don’t be dumb while being dumb.
How were your classes abroad different than if you would have taken them at NC State? Did you take any field trips or do anything outside of the traditional classroom?
My program was unique because it had set tracts of classes, only taught in English. The classes included my group of international students. We all became incredibly close by the end. We started with a week-long Spanish class to get acclimated, and then we would have one class at a time, from 9-12 each day, for three weeks per class. This was a great system because we were all free after class to experience things together. The classes themselves were great. I found it nice to only have to juggle one subject at a time. The program did an incredible job getting us experiences. For example, for one three-week class, we only spent four days in a classroom. I learned so much, and they aligned with my major, allowing me to earn a full 15 credit hours.
Would you do it again?
Just let me know when my flight is.
