Joanna Rucker ‘21 is an economics major and finance minor, as well as a scholar in the Goodwin-Niering Center for the Environment. This semester she is studying abroad in Lima, Peru through the Study Away Teach Away (SATA) Program offered through Conn.
Can you tell me a bit about the program you are enrolled in?
So, I am in the SATA (Study Away – Teach Away) program in Lima, which consists of 10 Conn students and one Conn professor. I have two classes with the Conn professor, Professor Cruz-Saco, who is originally from Lima. SATA has a discipline of focus for this semester, which is economics, so I take two economics classes with Professor Cruz-Saco. I take classes at Universidad del Pacífico (UP), where there are about 150 international exchange students. UP has like 5,000 students total and is very business- and econ-focused. Each international exchange student is assigned a “buddy” who helps to guide the new students and organize cool stuff to do— like Latin dance lessons, a food tour, and a tour of Lima. My buddy was nice, but I only really saw her the first few weeks because she lives really far away.
How have you adjusted to life in Peru?
At first… it was a lot. It was scary and I didn’t know the people or the city, so it was hard to get around. Also, not being able to speak Spanish was a huge barrier. It is also weird living with a host family and having to adjust to a completely new culture. Now, I feel like I have adjusted. I think I might get “reverse culture shock” when I go back to the US.
How is it living with a host family?
It is a good experience, overall. My host parents speak only Spanish, so I am forced to practice [laughs]. But it has helped my language skills and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone more than if I lived with the other exchange or abroad students. Oh! And my host mom makes me home-cooked meals!
Tell me about the food!
Peruvian dishes usually have meat— so it is hard to navigate as a vegetarian. My host family makes me Peruvian food, but with meat substitutes, which is great. And there are so many different restaurants in Lima. I wish I could try them all, but I don’t have time… or money. Trying the fruit here has been one of my favorite things, like granadilla, chirimoya, [and] lúcuma.
What is a typical day like? Is it similar to Conn at all?
My days are very different. Classes are 3 hours long here and only meet once a week!
It’s very different from Conn. There is a lot of time between when classes meet, so I feel like I forget things in the meantime, you know? The work is a lot more challenging than I was expecting. UP is a really good school— the average score on the first exam in my finance class was a 50%! It is normal and almost expected that people will fail classes, which is totally different from Conn. And it is frustrating that my grades here count at Conn, because the other international students that are studying at UP just take their courses here as pass/fail for their home university. Anyway… when I am not in classes or doing work for my classes, I explore the city with my Peruvian man [laughs]. And on the weekends, I travel. It is nice being able to experience Peru, outside of Lima, while I am studying here.
Are you involved in extracurriculars at UP?
Yes! I joined— and compete for— the rock climbing team, which has allowed me to meet a lot of Peruvian students. My classes consist of mostly international students, so rock climbing gives me the opportunity to meet local people. And three times a week I take the bus alone just to go to yoga at a house in Lima. I like to stay active and these are good opportunities to get me out and keep me from just watching Netflix in my room.
What advice would you give to people preparing to go away?
If you are going to a country that doesn’t speak English, then start learning the freaking language before going! I definitely wish I had taken Spanish classes before coming here. I think I would feel more comfortable. And less isolated. I have trouble keeping up when my Peruvian friends (or acquaintances) are having conversations in Spanish. They will start to laugh and I’m not sure if I should laugh with them or not… I would tell people to do their best to not just hang out with other American students. I do end up speaking English when I am in class with other Americans and international students, which is unfortunate. You can learn so much about language and culture when you make friends with people from the area you are studying in.
Do you think that those “uncomfortable” situations are helping with your Spanish skills, though?
Yes, for sure. I still get nervous to speak Spanish, but I am getting much better at understanding Spanish compared to when I first got here. I have learned a lot more vocab, mostly in rock climbing and yoga practice. And my pronunciation is getting better, too… but it isn’t quite perfect yet.
Is there anything you wish you had known prior to going away? Is there any way you could have been better prepared?
It goes by way quicker than you think. People say this, but I didn’t really believe it. It’s true! Like, before I left, I was very nervous about being away for four months, but it has gone by so fast. Also, like trying to figure out how to get a debit card without international fees. It is better to go to the ATM and take out a lot of cash— just a big chunk— than to use your card. It is something that I didn’t consider and I wish I had known. It is a small way to help save money. Money goes quick. I am always eating out and traveling while I am here— Oh my god— and Uber-ing. •
