Category: Latin America

Submitted by Chloe Hundley on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Panama sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…

Our final week in Panama was extremely busy, but an amazing end to the program. During our last few days at Aldeas, I spent most of my time making friendship bracelets with the kids and teaching them to dance. We also went around to all of their houses to see what they needed us to buy for them so that we could get them gifts before we left. Overall, I had an incredible time at Aldeas and really learned a lot from the kids there and had so much fun playing with them every week. Even though a lot of them come from tough family situations, they were always so respectful and excited to be with us every day and taught us a lot about their culture. A lot of them were curious about the United States since they don’t get to leave the country often, so it was fun to compare both countries with each other.

Since this was also the final week of classes, we took a field trip to Mi Pueblito, which is a sacred area, so that we could recite the poem Al Cerro Ancón by Amelia Denis de Icaza, a Panamanian poet, in front of her statue. All of our professors came with us too, so they could teach us about the culture and history behind the poem. After that, some friends and I spent the weekend at Playa Blanca, which was about an hour and a half away from Panama City. While we mostly went just to relax, we also had a great time making friends with locals and practicing our Spanish with them.

On Monday night, we had our farewell dinner with our professors and host families. It was an amazing night to reflect on this past month with everyone and be together for the last time. On our way home, I talked a lot with my host Mom about everything that had happened, and we realized how even though Panama and the United States are different in a lot of ways, the people are still pretty similar. Although I don’t typically eat beans, rice, and plantains at every meal or dance to salsa in the United States, everyone was always so welcoming that I never felt too out of place. This was one of the best months of my life and, while I’m sad it’s over, I will appreciate everything I learned here for the rest of my life.

Submitted by Melissa Lewis on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Panama sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…

This week I had a lot of opportunity to relax and talk. At the beginning of the week, I met a student named David and he studies at the Technological University. After that conversation with him, I found the music room at the university and had the opportunity to play the piano and talk to other students who were practicing at the University as well. Other people I met this week were Jaime and his mother. They are from the United States and are visiting their grandfather who lives in Panama. I went to the salsa night in Silena in Casco Viejo! I had the opportunity to practice my salsa. Over the weekend, I went to the Panama Canal with the other students and I have seen a lot. The best part for me was when I was in the museum and I read a lot about the construction and history of the Canal. There were many Spanish speakers there, too and I talked to many people. Finally, I had the opportunity to go to church and I was very excited because that is what I wanted to do in Panama. All the people were very kind, thank God.

In the Villages, I learned more about how to connect with children. I loved that some of the children remembered the songs I’ve written and they like to sing. In addition, the students like to jump rope and they only want people to play with them. It’s a little difficult to do things with them because I only have a little time with them.  The children listen to me more now than in the beginning. I don’t know how I am going to leave them, but I know that they are going to have a very special place in my heart. The children are very intelligent and funny. I love that all the time they shout my name and hug me.

Submitted by Isiah Hiatt on the 2019 winter session program in Costa Rica sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…

Last week, I noticed something after being here for four weeks. The street signs that tell you this is Calle 1 or Calle 2 are actually attached to the buildings. That is kind of interesting because in the United States we have it at the end of the corner on like a pole, but here they have it on the building that is next to the corner. My time here has been great and I am very sad to leave. It has been great walking around with my friends and talking to the locals. If you ever go abroad, you need to talk to the locals because it really let’s you know what the culture is like and just let’s you get a better feeling for the country. Overall, my study abroad experience has been very interesting. Living with a host family is an amazing experience and as a plus you get to eat some amazing food. I highly recommend visiting Costa Rica on your free time because the locals are always down to talk. They will also always say good morning when you walk by them. When my friends and I were walking to school, we got so many Buenos Días (Good Days). Overall, my study abroad experience was 10/10 and I would highly recommend it to everyone. The only tip I have for someone who wants to go on one is to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to talk to the locals.

Submitted by Meghan O’Brien on the 2020 winter session program in Brazil sponsored by the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences…

To start off our last week abroad, we tried a Brazilian jiu jitsu class. No one had ever done this before and we really had no idea what to expect. The master was very nice and excited that we decided to learn more about this part of the culture. We paired up with a partner and learned about 10 moves all about self defense. Like other major cities, Rio has safe in wealthy areas, but also there were some risky or sketchy areas. I really didn’t know much about self defense so this lesson was really important and something I will remember forever.

As I previously mentioned in some blogs, we spent some time learning about the landscape architect, Roberto Burle Marx. On Tuesday, we toured his property called “citio” where we saw his house, studio, gardens, and his huge acres of land. Wednesday morning, we had our last watercolor lesson and then a few of my classmates met up with my Mom and Grandma who were visiting and we went on a sunset boat tour. The views were incredible and the boat crew was really excited to explain more about the history of Brazil. Thursday was our last day of class, but we spent our morning in Lapa visiting gardens, the Cathedral, and the Selaron Steps. Friday was spent finalizing both our final montage for the field sketching class and our final presentation about the environmental issues surrounding the Rio Olympic games for the plants and human culture class. Saturday ,we presented both projects and finished with a celebration of accomplishing both classes and assignments.

Leaving Brazil was really hard and I would love to stay for longer. I could not have asked for a better group of professors or students. I will cherish these memories  forever. I am grateful that I have 14 new friends that I can hang out with at UD now, too! Unfortunately, we had to say good-bye to Cecilia which was extremely difficult and emotional. Cecilia is from Brazil, but went to UD for graduate school for landscape architecture. She stayed with us for the three weeks in Rio and I could not have asked for a better guide, friend, and mentor. She helped us with the classes, speaking Portuguese, trying new foods, going to new beaches and cities, and so much more. Carnaval has such a huge presence in Brazil and she took us to some night events with bands and people in costumes all celebrating their city together. When I think back about my time abroad and my memories, she really impacted my experience in a lot of ways. We are really hopeful that we will get to see her again.

Overall, I am really glad I was on this unique study abroad program and I am thankful that I was able to live in the beautiful country of Brazil. I will miss the wildlife, vegetation, beaches, music, food, and of course the warm weather. This program has helped me step out of my comfort zone and to appreciate the little things in life.

Submitted by David Haynes on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Panama sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…

The fourth and final week in this beautiful country was once again full of unforgettable experiences and wonderful people. On Thursday morning, the group took a trip to Cerro Ancón, which is the highest point in the city. From the top, you can see the canal, the modern city, and Casco Viejo. The views were incredible and the site holds cultural significance for the people of Panama. After the long hike, I took a bus to The Valley of Antón with two girls in the group. This small town turned out to be one of my favorite places in Panama. We did a long hike up a mountain and watched the sunset from the top. It offered us views of the whole valley, mountain ranges for as far as the eye could see, and even the Pacific Ocean, which was incredibly far away. I will never forget the feeling of being on the mountain and not worrying about anything else, but that moment.

Apart from the country’s natural beauty, I once again experienced the incredible generosity and hospitality of the people here. I took a bus to Santiago to meet my Panamanian friend. He and his family welcomed me into their home as if I were family and showed me how I want to treat others when I return home. We went to Santa Catalina, which has one of the most famous beaches in Panama which hosts international surfing tournaments every year. The water was spectacular, but my friends there were even better. We talked a lot and everyone treated me like family. I couldn’t helpm but feel really lucky for having met these incredible people. They gave me the best welcome to their country that I could ask for.

After the weekend trip, I took a long bus ride back to the city and prepared for my final exams. I am going to miss this beautiful country and it’s beautiful people so much. I miss my home back in Delaware, but I could also use some more time here. Next time, I know I have people here who offer their home for me to stay and treat me like family. And it is not a matter of if I will return, but of when.

Submitted by Jessie Eastburn on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Chile sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…

Today was the second day in Patagonia. The group hiked up to the Torres del Paine lookout. The hike was more than 20 miles and took over 10 hours. It was very difficult in certain parts and straight uphill over a field of rocks in other parts. Once I climbed over the last rock and the view of Torres emerged before my eyes, the struggle was immediately made worth it. The lake under Torres was the iciest and coolest blue I’ve ever seen and the towers themselves seemed to kiss what little clouds there were in the sky. The hike to the lookout was without a doubt, the hardest I’ve ever done, but also the most beautiful.

Submitted by Elise LaFramboise on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Panama sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…

This was my last full week in Panama! We spent three days at Las Aldeas, which is a shelter for children who are orphans or victims of abuse. It’s been so cool to spend time there and talk to the children! We play games with them and spend time with them for a few hours. It’s such a cool organization and the kids are so sweet, I’ve loved playing with them and talking to them! I think they are some of the people that have taught me the most about the culture, as I’ve learned a lot from watching them interact with each other and talking to them! This week, I also learned about the Chinese culture in Panama. There are a ton of Asian markets and restaurants here! My friend and I shopped in the stores and ate in a restaurant. It was cool to see a new culture in the country we’ve been in for almost a month. I’m very sad that my time in Panama is ending soon.

 

Submitted by Alyssa Santiago on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Chile sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…

Water and nature are so beautiful. These falls in Torres del Paine contained the most beautiful colored water of shades of turquoise and looked like silk. But what they don’t tell you about bodies of water in Torres del Paine is the closer you are to the water, the windier it gets. This view almost blew me away, literally! To get close to the water, you have to fight against the wind that’s knocking you over just to take a peek, but it was worth it! Rain with this wind was not a good combination.

Driving to Torres del Paine for the first time we stopped along the way to take a picture of this beautiful view!! Besides the prickles that collected on my socks immediately, I knew the sites I would see this weekend would be once in a lifetime. Torres del Paine is a part of Patagonia or aka the end of the world because it’s the closest point to Antarctica! Surprisingly, it was not very cold except for the wind that reached almost 60-65 km that day. Other than that, the sun was warm because it is summer for Chile right now. This view will forever change my life. This is Lago de Grey in Torres del Paine and contained the first glacier I have ever seen in my life (not pictured). You can drink the lake water and eat the little red berries. The trek to this point was a view out of a movie, but this lookout point was breathtaking. I stood in the same spot in awe for a good five minutes at least.  I would also not mind being proposed to here.

 

 

Submitted by Meghan O’Brien on the 2020 winter session program in Brazil sponsored by the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences…

My third week in Brazil has been spent visiting many tourist attractions and getting a better sense of the culture. We visited Christ the Redeemer who looks out over the city of Rio. We took a bus up to the top of the mountain and then climbed 200 steps to reach the base of Christ. The whole group was in awe as we saw how big this statue actually is. The views from the top were surreal and it was a clear day, showing off all of the special beaches Rio has. When we got back from the excursion, a small group of us departed for Maracana Stadium, home of the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2016 Rio Olympic games. I have been a sports fan my whole life and thinking about how stars like Michael Phelps and Alex Morgan walked on this turf was just incredible. We had a tour of the stadium and started research for our final project which focuses on the environmental impacts in Rio before and after the Olympic games. The following day, we went to Sugarloaf Mountain which is 396 meters tall! We hiked up to the first peak which was the hardest hike I have ever done! At this stop there was a gondola which we then took up to the tip on the mountain which looked out onto Christ the Redeemer and the beautiful surrounding water.

On Thursday, we left for Tiradentes which is a town directly north of Rio about four hours away. This town reminded me of older towns in the United States with its old cobblestone roads and horses. During this weekend excursion, we visited Inhotim which is an enormous interactive park/garden/museum. The bus ride was packed and long, but it was definitely worth it for this bonding and informative excursion outside of Rio. Saturday was our free day in Tiradentes, but we still ended up going on an excursion as a class. This impromptu day ended up being one of my favorite days on this program so far. We got up and walked about 3 miles to a waterfall. I had never been swimming in one before, but there were several pools at different heights of the waterfall that you can hike up to. We spent about 4 hours here just swimming, talking to locals, and enjoying time with one another. To top off this experience, on our walk home we stumbled upon a carnival parade. We were finishing lunch and walking home when tons of bands, clowns, singers, and street performers flooded the street getting ready for their parade. Carnival is such a huge production in Brazil and despite truly starting in late February, the celebrations start way before then. Being in the middle of this cultural event was amazing and it was great to see all of the locals come together.

Finally, as our two classes continued, we learned about the importance of plants from studies in hospital rooms and kids with ADD. Plants can go a long way and act as a soothing and calming device aside from just decoration. For field sketching, we practiced drawing one point perspectives while looking into the old cobblestone streets of Tiradentes.

Submitted by Caroline Sullivan on the 2020 winter session study abroad program in Chile sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures…

This past weekend, we traveled to Torres Del Paine, which is considered by some to be the eighth wonder of the world.  I have been excited about this weekend for months and I could have never imagined just how amazing this experience would be.  While hiking, outdoor rock climbing, exploring the flora and fauna of Patagonia, and learning about the environment, my love for the outdoors and nature was reignited.  I felt so incredible the entire weekend because the nature that we were seeing appeared to be untouched which is beautiful to me.  It also was eye-opening to see just how stark the impact of climate change is in Torres Del Paine which is very close to Antarctica.  The glaciers have receded due to global warming which is horrible to see.  This weekend was so beautiful and amazing, but also reminded me of the effects that humans can have on nature in a negative way.  Therefore, I am grateful that I was able to both appreciate what nature has to offer, but also remember that we need to work hard to protect it.