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<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>I love traveling abroad to discover new countries, new people, and cultures. I have already traveled abroad in the past, but not for an extensive period of 7 weeks as I did now.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I was curious to explore a new way of traveling by staying at a local host family, which allows full immersion in the community and culture.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/beyond-travels rel="" target="_self" class="link">Beyond Travels</a>?</h3>
<p>The <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/beyond-travels/programs/traditional-plant-medicine-herbalism-ethnobotany-168135 rel="" target="_self" class="link">Indigenous Plant Medicine &amp; Ethnobotany internship</a> of Beyond Travels aligned perfectly with my interests. I followed basic herbalism courses in my home country, and I wanted to explore medicinal plant usage in other countries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This, together with my desire to travel to South America and love for discovering new cultures and people, led me to choose this specific program.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784622224/images2/interviews/yFpjqcKOlIteqzzjPNJaBfcCJIxZAretyJvI40L2.jpg" alt="A woman taking a selfie on a wooden desk with a laptop and documents inside a rustic bamboo structure"><div class="caption"><p>Me working on an inventory document to map the use of indigenous medicinal plants.</p></div></div>
<h3>What was your favorite part about Ecuador?</h3>
<p>The internship took place in San Louis, a small village near Archidona in Ecuador. I loved the rural area where our host family's house was located, far away from busy places. I enjoyed the surrounding sounds of nature, birds, and animals.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Also, it was nice that the house was located next to a bus stop. So I had the opportunity to visit nearby villages to explore them.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>It is extraordinary how the organization was able to shape the project to fit it even more with some of my personal interests and goals. They provided local contacts and arranged meetings with people working in my fields of interest.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Besides, their weekly organized excursions to local organizations or families were super interesting and educational.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>We had an amazing project manager who was available 24/7 for any questions or concerns. She herself lives in Tena and assisted us once per week during a planned excursion to help translate Spanish information and connect well with the volunteers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In addition to this excursion, we had a weekly personal meeting with her to discuss any concerns or personal goals related to the project. It is truly amazing how the local staff supported us. This ensured that I felt very safe during my whole stay.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>I would not have done anything differently. I'm very happy with the choices I have made, and the people I have met. I'm grateful for all the opportunities I got and grabbed them with both hands.</p>
<p>This led to the truly amazing experience I had abroad. I did not have any bad experiences that I wished to change.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>A "typical day" did not really exist. I had the feeling that every day was a small adventure.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My internship covered many different activities, from helping the host family to harvest food and discovering medicinal plants in their 'chakra' forest system, to helping with preparing natural cosmetic products and going on excursions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The only certainty every day was that I woke up quite early (around 7h, or earlier if we were going to the chakra).</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784622225/images2/interviews/byjwqDY9nIsLJ08YFJM3N3SLqJdITd2CkP9ZJAC0.jpg" alt="natural cosmetic products unwrapped on a colorful paper sheet, and in three small plastic cups"><div class="caption"><p>Some natural cosmetic products that I have made during my internship.</p></div></div>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>During my free time abroad, I enjoyed the moments with the host family. I loved playing with the children or helping with cooking. Further, it was nice to hang around in the surrounding villages once in a while.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I made an artisanal 'chikra' bag that locals use to collect food from the chakra or just as a handbag.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I stayed in a basic yet beautiful hut in the host family's garden. The hut was made of wood and bamboo. My room contained a small desk and a few wooden cabinets for storing clothes and other items.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There was a small sanitary building (including a toilet and shower) near our rooms. The family provided toilet paper or anything we asked for.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>This program offers a full immersion in the local community and culture. You need to be ready to open your mind and heart to their way of life and thinking, and be flexible.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Days are not structured (as in most European countries), and plans can change drastically. Furthermore, depending on the host family where you stay, there might be power outages and problems with water supply and mobile connection. Although this never resulted in drastic problems.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend Beyond Travels to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes, 100%. I had a truly amazing time abroad thanks to the organization that puts a lot of effort into shaping the program to personal interests. They went far above my expectations by offering incredible service, assistance, and guidance to make the most out of your experience. They are genuinely committed to every volunteer.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>In my opinion, traveling abroad offers many benefits. It allows you to discover new places, people, and cultures and to broaden your horizon and mindset.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Furthermore, it strengthens your personal development and independence, helps you to discover what is truly meaningful in life, and to put trivialities into perspective.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784622225/images2/interviews/7dwmWHC5f4CDY9hrPnSF6Qv3Q9uFQNlS9bgVv7nk.jpg" alt="volunteers posing for a photo with a local family"><div class="caption"><p>Me together with my host family and another volunteer.</p></div></div>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>I will not go home immediately after my internship. I will travel around Ecuador for an additional 5 weeks before going home. My stay abroad with the host family provided me with valuable personal insights and reminded me of the important things in life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My stay abroad might also impact future decisions related to my personal career.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel means traveling to fulfill a certain goal. This can be a personal goal to strengthen self-development or personal skills, or a more 'shared goal' that benefits multiple people (e.g. volunteering work).&nbsp;</p>
<p>I think it is super important that you keep your eyes and heart open for local experiences, people, and activities and that you try to support them.&nbsp;</p>

Marlies Leysen

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Marlies Leysen who participated in Beyond Travels program.

Marlies Leysen | Beyond Travels Alumni Interview

Indigenous Plant Medicine & Ethnobotany Internship – Ecuador

Beyond Travels

Beyond Travels Alumni Interview with Marlies Leysen

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>A few years prior to this trip, I went to Peru with my family. Ever since that trip, I knew I wanted to visit the Amazon again, but I didn't think it would happen so soon afterward.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I decided to go on this trip after coming across an ad for it on LinkedIn, doing more research into the credibility of Beyond Travels, and then applying to the program.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620461/images2/interviews/BzjskSlDsnpO4nnVunn6DGBeNXdcBs8OIMissb4O.jpg" alt="a scenic sunset over a mountainous landscape"><div class="caption"><p>View of the mountains from Archidona.</p></div></div>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/beyond-travels rel="" target="_self" class="link">Beyond Travels</a>?</h3>
<p>I was looking for a summer <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/beyond-travels/programs/amazonian-forest-foods-culinary-arts-168142 rel="" target="_self" class="link">internship</a> relating to chemistry and/or food science because I'm working toward my Bachelor's degree in chemistry with a minor in food science at university and want a future job as a food chemist.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When I came across this program on LinkedIn, I realized it directly correlated with my food science minor, and it was my dream to visit the Amazon again. After doing some research, I found that Beyond Travels was a good, credible organization, so I stuck with this program.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part about Ecuador?</h3>
<p>I liked how friendly and relaxing the Napo Province of Ecuador was. I felt super safe there, safer than I would back home in some parts of the United States. Even though the region felt relaxing and not crazy fast-paced, you could clearly see all of the hard work and effort the locals put into everything they do.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I loved the feeling of the region, especially the people there, like my host family.</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>The best part about my experience abroad was how much I learned. I crave knowledge about everything, so it was amazing to learn about everything through the lens of a local person here. I learned about the local foods, plant medicine, my family's chakra, how to navigate the bus system, and so much more.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The trip was also an amazing experience to practice all of the Spanish I've learned in school.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620462/images2/interviews/2XTqL0obCCsOLwDjWi7kBRx3GCxJkhzfRR0AOz6E.jpg" alt="pouring melted chocolate into molds to create custom chocolate bars"><div class="caption"><p>Chocolate making at Wayta.</p></div></div>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>Megan Knox was the best! She was always there either in person or on WhatsApp whenever I needed something and was super friendly and easy to talk to.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Andy Gavilanes was also very fun and energetic to talk with and was also there whenever I needed anything.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Everyone who worked with Beyond Travels was friendly and helpful. They also treated me like family, especially when I got sick during my trip. Everyone was super supportive.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>I wouldn't want to change any of the activities I participated in. However, I probably could have done more exploring or tried more new experiences during my free time on the weekends.</p>
<p>Maybe I should have gone to the doctor a bit earlier for the ear infection I had at the beginning of the trip so that it could have been treated even earlier on.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>On a typical day, I woke up and ate a fresh, home-cooked meal with guayusa tea from my host family. Plans for the day were never set in stone and could change depending on the weather.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At the beginning of each week, I typically took the bus from my host family's house in San Luis to Archidona and from there, walked to Canopy Bridge to work there for the day and eat lunch with my coworkers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Canopy Bridge, I got to experiment with different ingredients, like morete, chonta, macambo, or yuca, from the chakras of the locals. On those days, I returned to my host family's house just before dinner and had another home-cooked meal.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Other days, I ate and then went to the chakra with the family and the other intern, Marlies. In the chakra, we learned about the plants, harvested some, and planted others. I either ate fruits in the chakra for lunch or returned to the house for lunch. After lunch, sometimes I went to Archidona or Tena to explore or stayed at the house and learned to make a shigra. Dinner was almost always eaten with the family, and just about every meal was served with different teas.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One day a week, the other intern, Marlies, and I went on excursions with Megan. Every day was different and full of new things to learn.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620463/images2/interviews/hV7l1C2yJcjwTqwPQgbhUj9pphlVSIuWKVheGr5J.jpg" alt="traditional Amazonian-style fried fish and plantains"><div class="caption"><p>Tilapia, heart of palm, macambo, plantain, fiddlehead fern, and citrus.</p></div></div>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>When I had free time, I worked on making a shigra, a traditional bag made from a plant called pita. I also hung out with the other intern, Marlies, a lot since she was awesome. Sometimes I explored Archidona or Tena and bought new foods to try. Other times, I went to events with my host family.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I got to stay with a host family, Clemente and Elena. There was another intern who lived there as well, Marlies. We each got our own rooms and shared a bathroom.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My favorite part of living there was interacting with my host family because they treated me as part of the family too. Everyone was close to each other, and everyone helped everyone.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When I got sick, everyone, the host family, Marlies, took good care of me and helped me recover.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620463/images2/interviews/cjbrohOOgWCABlTzqw8rrXfmJbhuLcY2gERIrrMn.jpg" alt="The Mesosemia loruhama butterfly."><div class="caption"><p>What I think is a Mesosemia loruhama butterfly.</p></div></div>
<p>Bring good mosquito repellent, plenty of long-sleeve shirts, and plenty of pants. Make sure every fabric dries fast because mold is common since the humidity is so high. It's also important to have an open mind and try everything you can, even the chontacuros at least once.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For the greatest immersion experience, it's also important to know some Spanish. You don't need to be fluent; I'm not, but I know enough to get by. You will learn more Spanish throughout the trip by practicing communication with everyone.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's also super important that you let people around you know how you're feeling emotionally and physically because everyone is there to support you and they might have things or know people that can help.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Most importantly, make the most of your trip by having fun and learning as much as you can.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend Amazonian Forest Foods &amp; Culinary Arts Internship in Ecuador to others? Why?</h3>
<p>I would recommend this program to people with open minds who care about nature and the indigenous people of Ecuador. The program is perfect if you want to learn as much as you can about Kichwa culture, local food, and medicinal plants through complete immersion into the culture.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Unlike most other programs, this one brings you close to the people in charge since they're always there to help and do weekly check-ins with each intern. You will also become part of your host family if you choose to participate. This program is an amazing experience if you choose to do it, and you will have so much fun!</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620464/images2/interviews/khVNGAUbOjXKYr9cnQhHuSHSOfnGzGlaITrE5bkC.jpg" alt="an Amazon parrot"><div class="caption"><p>Amazon parrot.</p></div></div>
<p>I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is that you get to learn so much about the culture and eat so many new, different foods. There are so many things that you don't even know exist until you're immersed in the culture, and I think it's important to see how other people live compared to you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The food is also fantastic, except for the chocolate.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>I now see the world differently and appreciate the little things more. It has also made me realize that wherever you live, there are different pros and cons that you might not even think about.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I also want to return to the Amazon and visit my host family and some other people again since they were and still are such a big part of my life.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>I think that for travel to be meaningful, learning should be the goal, especially learning about the local culture. I like to learn about all of the similarities and differences of places that I travel to, whether it be cultural or from nature.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meaningful travel also needs to include good local food.</p>

Lillian Miks

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Lillian Miks who participated in Beyond Travels program.

Lillian Miks | Beyond Travels Alumni Interview

Amazonian Forest Foods & Culinary Arts Internship – Ecuador

Beyond Travels Alumni Interview with Lillian Miks

Samir Jaafar

Get to know the people behind Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Samir Jaafar.

Samir Jaafar | Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad

Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad

Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad Staff Interview with Samir Jaafar

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/middlebury-c-v-starr rel="" target="_self" class="link">Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad</a>?</h3>
<p>I truly believe in the core values of Middlebury CV Starr Schools Abroad: providing students with an academic and life experience that is authentically Spanish through full language and cultural immersion, as well as guided independence.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The best way to learn a foreign language and know its culture is by immersing oneself in the host country and live like a local. It's not only the most efficient way, but also the easiest and most rewarding!&nbsp;</p>
<p>By means of the Language Pledge® (a promise to speak only the target language for the duration of the program), students fully engage with the local culture and society. The program staff supports students and helps them develop the necessary intercultural skills to grow and thrive.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1783578895/images2/interviews/Lo9NaQ4EAW6Qc96idsFR8pTp3hzsmIIGnp7MPuaS.jpg" alt="a group of individuals participating in an interactive blindfolded tasting session"><div class="caption"><p>Guessing, learning, and tasting!</p></div></div>
<h3>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h3>
<p>If you really want to gain a deep grasp of your own culture, who you are, and why you are the way you are, go live and study abroad!&nbsp;</p>
<p>One thing is to read a book or watch a video about a foreign country/culture; another is to travel abroad. Those are all great means to learn about other ways of being in the world. However, those experiences rarely transform us. A completely different thing is to live in a foreign country and immerse yourself in the local culture by doing what locals usually do: work, study, share, and engage with your neighbors, your classmates, your co-workers, your new gym buddies, your church fellows, the bank clerk down the corner, or your local librarian.</p>
<p>Experience life in a new light. You'll see shades of color and ways of experiencing life, death, love, loss, friendship, and family you've never seen before. And those new colors, lights, and experiences will change your mindset forever: you'll know yourself and the world better, and that will surely help you make better, more informed decisions.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1783578895/images2/interviews/FeaxhnaTy695XlqO1xzMxArP6eGw3cEtbR0rNPH2.jpg" alt="he Castillo de Trujillo in Cáceres, Spain"><div class="caption"><p>Students visiting Trujillo's castle (built between 9th-13th C)... A few centuries later it was transformed into "Casterly Rock", the iconic stronghold of House Lannister in Game of Thrones!</p></div></div>
<h3>Why should someone choose Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad over competitors?</h3>
<p>Through the Language Pledge® (a promise to speak only the target language for the duration of the program), Middlebury offers an authentic Spanish experience.&nbsp;</p>
<p>From day one, students communicate entirely in Spanish: with faculty and staff, and among themselves. They live in Spanish-speaking environments and can directly enroll at local universities where they take regular courses with local students and faculty. They also have the opportunity to do credit-bearing internships at local companies and organizations (from art galleries to law firms and tech companies).&nbsp;</p>
<p>Over the course of the semester, the program staff accompanies students on their personal and academic journeys, providing support and guidance in such a way that they can gain independence and self-confidence. The program has a full-time cultural coordinator who helps students immerse themselves in the local culture by offering volunteering and co-curricular opportunities: work at NGOs, join local sports teams, play in the partner university orchestra, plan cultural activities and field trips across the country, partially financed by the program, participate in dance and cooking workshops, etc.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The director of the program helps students succeed academically (especially those who enroll at the local universities) by providing orientation sessions, individual and personalized academic advising, monthly meetings, etc. The rest of the staff supports students in other aspects of their academic and personal life: housing, health and safety, language tutorials, etc.</p>
<h3>What is Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<p>Students at the Schools Abroad are expected to demonstrate a high level of language proficiency and a commitment to language and cultural immersion. The Schools Abroad engage students in a challenging and dynamic learning environment and facilitate an integrated experience abroad, offering rigorous academic opportunities in many disciplines.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1783578896/images2/interviews/F0lp4kKfxgiYrX7JQI8RLYKPAF2iEaTRRZwD4wpQ.jpg" alt="a bicycle tour group riding along a tree-lined path"><div class="caption"><p>Biking in Madrid</p></div></div>
<p>They also make use of the academic and extra-curricular offerings at our partner institutions abroad and take advantage of established resources in the host locales. Through guided independence, our students engage with their host society on a number of different levels, advance their academic and personal interests, and attain enhanced language proficiency, a solid grasp of the cultural, social, political, and historical conditions of their host country, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.</p>
<p>The program staff is constantly being trained about best practices and methods to support students academically and personally. Middlebury staff in Spain regularly attend conferences and workshops conducted by APUNE, EUASA, and the Forum on Education Abroad, among others.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Through specific funding opportunities provided by Middlebury, the School in Spain has been able to implement new programs, such as "Conflict Transformation conferences", "Stay Local Weekends", and "Go Global, Stay Local cultural activities and trips."&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>I hope our students return home transformed, with a better understanding of Spanish culture and society, of themselves, and of their own culture. I hope that they all become more respectful and sensitive about cultural differences and about human vulnerability, as most of them may have felt vulnerable when navigating the local culture.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One of our goals is for them to grow and become more independent, resilient, and self-confident. Hopefully, after spending at least one semester of full language and cultural immersion, they should be better prepared for an increasingly globalized world.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I believe that the rewarding academic, cultural, and social experience of living in Spain will encourage our students not only to return to Spain in the future (as they usually do!), but also to explore and experience new cultures in other countries and regions across the globe!</p>
<h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3>
<p>When you live abroad, you are exposed to new and different ways of being in the world (beliefs, values, perceptions, and attitudes), and that usually leads to a better understanding and assessment of your own culture and existence. Often, this hands-on cultural experience may help you incorporate what you consider beneficial for your own life, and discard what you no longer need or want.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On the other hand, given that conflict is inherent in human relationships, one of the best ways to gain knowledge about human potential for constructive change and to learn how to manage, transform, or navigate conflict is to be in touch with people from different cultures. By living and studying abroad, one can experience firsthand how other people conduct their lives and manage differences, conflicts, and challenges.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Living abroad usually offers unique opportunities to build bridges across cultural differences, and that should also help us to live together and respect each other.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1783578897/images2/interviews/aE8gmfuXFRJyYaAaDgnmyn5Yo0I5SZgzcpoN5zir.jpg" alt="a large group visiting the Alcázar of Segovia in Spain"><div class="caption"><p>A trip to the Middle Ages in Segovia!</p></div></div>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>From my own experience (after living in four different countries other than my own), I believe that meaningful travel is when you live in a foreign country like a local: you work, volunteer, or study there, you participate in the local community, in local institutions or organizations, and you support local businesses and services.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meaningful travel is when you break the surface of a new foreign culture (observable behaviors and practices) and dive deep into it to confront different beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, and values. It's not just about seeing or identifying cultural differences, but about living and experiencing them firsthand.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meaningful travel is when the contact with the foreign culture alters or transforms some aspects of your own culture/life.&nbsp;</p>

Patricia Rodríguez

Get to know the people behind Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Patricia Rodríguez.

Patricia Rodríguez | Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad

Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad Staff Interview with Patricia Rodríguez

<h3>What inspired you to work for <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/middlebury-c-v-starr rel="" target="_self" class="link">Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad</a>?</h3>
<p>Middlebury's vision for creating an inclusive top-tier educational program in Puerto Rico where all qualified students from US Colleges and Universities could travel to and learn about Puerto Rican culture and history, in a new environment and context, while improving their Spanish language skills through experiential and placed-based learning opportunities, internships, and via direct-enrollment in regular courses at the top universities of the Puerto Rican archipelago: Universidad de Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, and Universidad de Puerto Rico in Mayagüez.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I was also inspired by Middlebury's commitment to language immersion and learning, as well as its focus on environmental and intercultural education.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1783576021/images2/interviews/A5al1ikanRG40WD2T0V2yUd3nu6k1w7KdZFsKtXV.jpg" alt="Woman smiles near driftwood under Puerto Rican flag."><div class="caption"><p>PR flag at beach</p></div></div>
<h3>What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?</h3>
<p>As a college student myself, I studied abroad for a semester in Salamanca, Spain. If I could, I would tell my pre-travel self that traveling abroad would be one of the most enriching and empowering experiences of her life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I would also tell her to make friends with local students and volunteer or do an internship at a local Spanish organization so as to learn more about the day-to-day life and concerns of students and working people at the host city and university.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This, in addition to coursework, will greatly enhance their experience so that they may take full advantage of their time abroad and delve more deeply into what it means to live (not only study) in a different country. Traveling within the country, if possible, is also a must.</p>
<h3>Describe a typical day at work.</h3>
<p>My typical day at work includes many hours in contact with diverse university administrators, both local and from Middlebury, either in person or virtually, to ensure our current and future students have the best and most enriching educational experience available to them in Puerto Rico.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Daily tasks may include having lunch or coffee with a student, planning our next group excursion, chatting with an internship supervisor, or making sure our incoming students are well prepared for their future semester away.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Why do you do what you do?</h3>
<p>I do what I do because I love teaching and find joy and purpose in seeing students grow, learn, and take on exciting new challenges. I also love teaching others about Puerto Rico and having them learn and connect with the island's rich and diverse culture and history.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I'm so fortunate to be able to do this while living in Puerto Rico, and to have the support of wonderful coworkers and collaborators both in the US and inside the archipelago.</p>
<h3>What is your favorite part of your job?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1783576022/images2/interviews/jkteqHETOOskVBsvigRA46rLLFVlOuVIO359Hwvv.jpg" alt="a woman taking a selfie with a black and white furred dog"><div class="caption"><p>With Wiski <3.</p></div></div>
<p>Exposing students to new experiences and opportunities. Supporting them as they choose their courses at their host universities, seeing them connect with locals and improve their Spanish language skills, and enjoying all the archipelago has to offer.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How do you use your education and international background in your current role?</h3>
<p>My background and education have been pivotal in helping me navigate all that my current role demands. Being a native of Puerto Rico and growing up in Mayagüez (one of our host cities) gives me invaluable insight into Puerto Rico's life, history, language, and culture.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On the other hand, my experience as an undergraduate and graduate student in the US, at both Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh, helps me understand our incoming students' universities' cultures and demands, academically, professionally, and emotionally.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Being a professor of Spanish, Literature, Cultural, and Gender Studies, for over 15 years, and Coordinator of the Minor in Women and Gender Studies for 4 years, at University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras (also one of our host universitites) provided me with the academic and administrative experience needed to be the first director of Middlebury's School in Puerto Rico and informs my academic and administrative work.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Finally, I believe my background in Psychology has also given me the necessary tools to engage with the different challenges a student nowadays faces, particularly when faced with a new context and with new challenges.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Why should someone choose Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad over competitors?</h3>
<p>Being a small program, all students get to receive one-to-one attention and support directly from me as director, from prior to arrival until their final day at the School, while internship opportunities are also specifically tailored to the student's needs and interests.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Students also get to learn from and enjoy the different excursions Middlebury designs for them during their time in Puerto Rico and benefit from Middlebury's Language Pledge, where all students are expected to speak in Spanish throughout the entire time away/abroad.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In addition to the four courses students must enroll at their host university (or three and a Middlebury-coordinated internship for credit), they are also enrolled in a .5 unit Middlebury course on Writing for Linguistic and Cultural Competency.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1783576023/images2/interviews/5WGIFrgQ0ndqDnUMLTG2upBi6RVjc0eWYlkbDFoC.jpg" alt="A person is photographing a tree in an orchard"><div class="caption"><p>At my first Apple Orchard visit, Vermont 2025.</p></div></div>
<p>Middlebury's C.V. Starr Schools Abroad mission reads: "Through guided independence, our students engage with their host society on a number of different levels, advance their academic and personal interests, and attain enhanced language proficiency, a solid grasp of the cultural, social, political, and historical conditions of their host country, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world."&nbsp;</p>
<p>As part of our program, we incorporate all of these ideals and following intercultural goals, and provide students with the structural, academic and emotional support needed to achieve them. At MSiPR, we hope to continue this mission by providing significant learning opportunities and experiences.</p>
<h3>What do you hope participants take away from your programs?</h3>
<p>I hope participants leave the program feeling more empowered and with a more mature sense of self. I also hope they come to appreciate Puerto Rico's unique history of resistance, the richness of its culture, the beauty of its different landscapes, and the friendly disposition of its people.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I hope students will cherish their time in Puerto Rico as a unique learning and enriching educational and intercultural experience, which also helps them improve their Spanish language skills, while enhancing and informing their own academic and professional path and future.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I hope students leave with the desire to come back and share their new appreciation of Puerto Rico with family, friends, and loved ones.</p>
<h3>Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?</h3>
<p>Learning about other cultures through experiential learning opportunities allows people to gain much more insight about the world that surrounds them and about their own.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Living abroad, if only for a few months, promotes self-understanding and reflection, while fostering appreciation towards others, their cultures, and their well-being. This, in turn, creates a more empathetic world, rooted in principles of solidarity, love, and respect for that which is different and for that which unites us.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Visiting other countries while exposing ourselves to new experiences helps us expand our world-view, appreciate the world's natural and cultural diversity, and acquire new ways and perspectives on life , both at home and away.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1783576024/images2/interviews/7qnK4usOevcJMtnCY5zfOlkHCAdH6VJ0f3jrnyCq.jpg" alt="5 adults taking a group selfie outdoor"><div class="caption"><p>With Midd Co-workers and Friends!</p></div></div>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel means you get to learn about the world and about yourself by engaging with people from other cultures or backgrounds. By active listening, in-language dialogue, respectful engagement, and an open mind and attitude, a traveler may not only support local communities and organizations, as well as their visions for the future, but may also become part of a larger community built on mutual respect, work, friendship, and solidarity.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meaningful travel includes, of course, doing things that are also meaningful to you, that add value to your life, and help you and your fellow travelers achieve their intentions for their trip. In other words, meaningful travel is potentially transformative.</p>

Teresa Peña-Jordán

Get to know the people behind Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Teresa Peña-Jordán.

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