As my time in Peru comes to a close, I cannot begin to express enough gratitude for everything I have experienced and learned in the three short weeks that I have been abroad. This journey has exceeded my expectations, and I highly recommend this Maymester to anyone even remotely considering it. Here are my top five takeaways from this incredible trip:
Do not hesitate to practice spanish
While this seems blatantly obvious, it makes sense that I list it first. As someone who has always struggled with insecurities speaking Spanish, I found that speaking with locals felt carefree, and I never felt judged. If I couldn't fully articulate a thought, locals were very understanding and patient. This trip has greatly improved my confidence in using the language in real-world situations.
Be open to making friends and getting to know your groupmates
Odds are, some people on the Maymester will already know each other—this was true for our group. If not, everyone’s circles are bound to overlap somehow; after all, we all go to the same school! Regardless of the group's status, everyone will be spending three and a half weeks together in a foreign country, and it helps to have people you can rely on if things do not go as planned or get uncomfortable. Sharing snacks, taking photos, and offering support can make a huge difference and create lasting bonds.
Embrace Discomfort
Following my previous point, there will inevitably be tough moments, if not many. Use these moments as opportunities to understand yourself and how you approach difficult situations. Do not shy away from asking peers or instructors for help. Whether it's dealing with homesickness, language barriers, or physical challenges, embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth and resilience, enhancing your experience abroad.
Bring a digital camera
No one should feel obligated to go spend money on a camera. But, if you have one, if a parent/grandparent/friend has one they’d be willing to let you borrow, or if you need an idea for a birthday present—this is a great one, and any generic digital camera will do! My grandpa gifted me my camera for my birthday, and the first thing I want to do when I get home is repay him by using these documented moments of my trip to piece together a story for the rest of my family. This has been a trip filled with moments and memories that I want to cherish forever, and I will be able to do so thanks to my trusty, little Canon Powershot.
Say yes!
We ended up doing so many activities that I could never have expected—paragliding, sand
boarding, feeding alpacas, challenging hikes, and dance classes, to name a few. By being open to new experiences and stepping out of your comfort zone, you can make the most of this unique, immersive experience and create unforgettable memories.
It is bittersweet knowing that the next time I wake up, I will not be in Peru. From visiting Machu Picchu, to hiking the Inca trail, to sandboarding in the Huacachina sand dunes (and the list goes on!), I have checked off so many items from my bucket list. Not only that, but I have befriended some phenomenal people and am dreading the moment we have to part ways. I am eternally grateful to have had this opportunity and would not trade this experience for the world!
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