Trip to Ecuador

Gabriela Canizales Start Date: Oct 14, 2023 - End Date: Feb 13, 2024
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad

My Travel Story

by: Gabriela Canizales Start Date: Oct 14, 2023 - End Date: Feb 13, 2024
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
The Study Abroad trip to Ecuador will not only supplement my desire to experience a new culture but it is a culture that aligns with my desired academic interest of studying Spanish. As a double Spanish major, I believe it is essential to experience a country that speaks the language as it will aid me in furthering my pronunciation and cultural awareness of the language itself. I personally grew up in a Spanish-speaking home but Spanish is such a diverse language and I would like to experience it in a different manner. Learning in a classroom and speaking it at home does not compare to studying in a country where it is the primary language.

My career goals consists of wanting to conduct research of the psychological kind. I want to become well-versed in different cultures because typically psychological studies are done using Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic participants. Over 90% of the findings done with psychological research are done using this sample of people. If I were to become culturally aware of a Latin American culture I would be able to broaden this sample pool when I go on to pursue my career. It is my desire to diversify the field.

The decision to take this trip was a difficult one as I had always been interested in studying abroad but I am a very anxious person. I was anxious about being in a new country but I took a leap of faith and was accepted by my university's study abroad program. I am extremely nervous but very excited to go!

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