My name is Solina Long. I am majoring in Biology BS, and I am an upcoming sophomore in school. My host program is CofC in Panama: Ecology. I chose this program because I took the marine biodiversity and ecology course in the spring of 2023, and I really enjoyed being hands on in the field and being immersed in the environment. The goals that I set for my time abroad…
It has been five days since I first arrived in Panama. So far, the experience has been incredible. Being immersed in a country that speaks another language is definitely one to get used to, but I have taken Spanish classes since high school, and that has really given me a chance to practice what I know. I have definitely noticed that it is extremely hot here, and a little bit…
My time in Buenos Aires will be something I will never forget. I made incredible memories and friends that I will have for a lifetime, and I found a home in Buenos Aires that I cannot wait to go back to. As far as accomplishments go, I am most proud of the progress in my Spanish. Although there is always still room for improvement and my Spanish is far from…
Some of my best days abroad were definitely when I traveled, but I have also loved just feeling like I live here. I traveled to Salta and Jujuy (two provinces of Argentina) with my friend Liza for a weekend, and I saw some of the most incredible landscapes and sights I have ever seen. In addition, the group and I have done little excursions through the program, such as to…
Living in Buenos Aires for the past month has been an incredible experience so far. Trying new foods has certainly been one of my favorite parts. I’d say my favorite foods are empanadas de carne and alfajores, but there are so many good foods and desserts here that I want to take back to the United States with me. And dulce de leche is of course delicious and a staple…
Ecuador has been a life-changing experience that provided me with unique opportunities for personal growth and a better understanding of Latin American cultures and some of the challenges faced around the world. Although I have traveled internationally a number of times, this was my first time to a Latin American country. With every international experience, I gain a more inclusive and eclectic appreciation of the world as a whole. This…
I enjoyed every day of the trip, but some of the highlights include learning about the culture and history of Quito, going on hikes in the jungle, and playing pick-up soccer games with locals. While in Quito, we were able to immerse ourselves in the city and learn about its history of the city. We went into one of the oldest catholic churches and saw the immaculate architecture inside and…
Hello, my name is Kayli Paterson. I’m in my final year as a graduate student in the concurrent Environmental Studies and Sustainability and Public Administration master’s program. This summer, I will be visiting Ecuador for two weeks to study the diverse cultures and how they utilize sustainability in their everyday lives. We will explore different techniques of sustainability and how it, along with outside factors, impacts the local water quality…
While in Ecuador have tried so many varieties of foods and juices, and my favorites of those are the empanadas and papaya juice. The empanadas are made a little different depending on where you are. Some can be fluffy with cheese in the middle or more like a bread texture with or without the cheese. The papaya juice is freshly squeezed and served with any meal of the day, and…
I arrived in Quito with excitement and nervousness since this was my first ever trip outside the United States. The weather was a little chilly, but so refreshing compared to the humidity in Charleston, SC. The first excursion was a trip up to a lookout on the east side of the Pichincha Volcano via the teleférico, which is a gondola lift. After we arrived, we were able to take in…
