Ecuador: Immersed in Culture and Education
Study Abroad/Service Learning Trip to Otavalo and Quito From May 3rd, 2015 to May 11th, 2015, I was given the opportunity to travel to Ecuador and participate in a service learning experience teaching in schools in Otavalo, Ecuador with 21 other UC students and faculty. Additionally, I engaged in cultural enrichment outings, such as a visit to an indigenous museum and a traditional cooking class. I chose to engage in this experience for a few reasons. It has been a goal of mine for a few years to learn to speak Spanish fluently. Because the official language of Ecuador is Spanish, I thought this experience would help me to utilize my Spanish knowledge and build upon it. I also liked the idea that I would be working with kids, as I am interested in possibly working with kids in my future career. I was nervous before this trip because it was my first time out of the country and I had never participated in an extended service learning experience. Ecuador exceeded my expectations. The trip itself helped me to grow as a global citizen was honestly one of the most amazing weeks of my life. My basic Spanish knowledge helped me immensely throughout the entire trip and made me want to learn to speak it fluently even more. It was uncomfortable at times when I did not understand what people were saying to me. The language barrier also taught me how people who immigrate to America must feel when their English is not advanced. This trip allowed me to appreciate a culture different from my own and I would not trade that experience for anything. Please read my reflective essay (attached below) to learn more about my experiences in Ecuador! |
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ecuador_reflective_essay.docx | |
File Size: | 21 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Final Paper (LSLS 3050)
Below I have attached my final research paper for the class taken prior to the trip (LSLS 3050). I picked the topic of Ecuador’s indigenous identity, dress, politics, language, and festivals to research because I thought it was a topic related to the experiences I would have in Ecuador.
Below I have attached my final research paper for the class taken prior to the trip (LSLS 3050). I picked the topic of Ecuador’s indigenous identity, dress, politics, language, and festivals to research because I thought it was a topic related to the experiences I would have in Ecuador.
alesha_hamilton_final.docx | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | docx |