This past semester, I studied abroad in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. This was truly an amazing experience. The program fit perfectly with my interests in environmental science, the natural world, and improving my Spanish skills. For me, studying abroad was a good thing for me. I over pointed the previous semester, which was very stressful. I needed a break from Conn academics and wanted to switch things up. While abroad, I was able to take some interesting classes such as Marine Ecology and Tropical Ecology. I also had opportunities to go on amazing field trips to places including the Amazon Rainforest, the páramo, and other islands in the Galápagos. Furthermore, I enjoyed learning from my professors, who were very knowledgeable about the natural world. Additionally while abroad, I fell in love with surfing, and would go with my friends whenever I could. I also overcame my initial fear of scuba diving, and was able to see some amazing underwater life.
In short, my study abroad experience was different than that of a lot of people I have talked to. For one, I was not traveling all the time to different countries. I was on an island for three months with around forty other people and living with a host family that spoke another language, in a place with pretty poor internet. Although, I was okay with having a different experience than most people. To be honest, it was nice. This experience allowed me to live in the moment and fully take in my whole experience without having the need to check social media. I think that I came out of my program feeling much more grateful for things, such as the food I eat, the potable drinking water I drink, and the ocean blue I see everyday. I hope to visit one day again and re-immerse myself in this amazing and unique environment. •
