Jenna's Long-Term Study Abroad Trip to Quito, Ecuador

Jenna Sherman Start Date: May 18, 2018 - End Date: Aug 25, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Machupicchu, Peru
  • Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
  • Amazonas, Ecuador

My Travel Story

by: Jenna Sherman Start Date: May 18, 2018 - End Date: Aug 25, 2018
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
I am extremely excited to have been awarded the opportunity to study abroad in Quito, Ecuador for 6 months this year! I will be leaving for my trip on August 8th, and will be studying at La Universidad San Francisco de Quito. While I am there, I will be living in the Galapagos Islands for a week, staying in the Amazon Rainforest for another week, and visiting Machu Picchu in Peru, as well.

Why did I choose to study abroad? Well, one of my most important goals in life is to live in and learn about different cultures from around the world. I believe that in order to lead a fulfilling life, one must go out of his/her comfort zone and learn about the world from different perspectives, because understanding other ways of living by experiencing different cultures firsthand ultimately brings us all closer together!

Furthermore, an academic goal that I have had for many years now is to improve my Spanish language skills, and studying abroad in Ecuador will greatly enhance this ability. I have been a focused and determined Spanish student for the past eight years now, and I am eager and enthusiastic to improve my language skills by finally taking the opportunity to live and interact on a daily basis with native speakers! There is truly no other way to become a better speaker and listener than to be fully immersed in the language. I am very passionate about both the Spanish language and Spanish education, and this experience will allow me to grow and develop new skills in ways that would not be possible without studying overseas.

I am grateful to say that while I am abroad, I will have the opportunity to study at the university’s college of music (which is part of the Berklee College of Music International Network!). This means that not only will I have the opporunity to study the Spanish language while I am there, but I will also be able to continue pursuing my degree in music, which will allow me to gain a completely new understanding of how music is taught and performed in other cultures! 

Finally, while I am in Ecuador, I will be completing a total of 80 hours of volunteer work. I am really hoping to use my bagckground in music while I am there to work with local students who are interested in music, as I have found great enjoyment doing so here in the United States!
  • Quito, Ecuador
  • Machupicchu, Peru
  • Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
  • Amazonas, Ecuador

More Travel Information

Adventure Registry

  • International Airfare

    3,000
    Kalamazoo College
    • Granted

  • Ecuadorian Visa Materials

    1,000
    Kalamazoo College
    • Granted

  • Housing/Food with host family

    12,000
    Kalamazoo College
    • Granted