Photos Courtesy of Shawnia Yon ’24
Name, Pronouns, Class Year: Shawnia Yon, she/her, 2024
Majors: Dance and Economics
Pathway: Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation, Value and Change
What program are you enrolled in? SATA Peru Program
What made you choose this program?
When I took an economics class with Professor Cruz-Saco my freshman year, she mentioned how every 2 years she takes students with her to study abroad in Peru. Fast forward to sophomore year, I literally bumped into Professor Cruz-Saco as she was on her way to have an informational session about the SATA program. I decided to attend the presentation. I recall hearing how life-changing SATA Peru has been for a number of students, in addition to the wonderful experience they had in Peru. When reflecting on when I first found out about the program to now being here in Peru in my junior year, this is honestly a full circle moment.
How have you adjusted to life there?
Finding the things that make me happy and branching out. For me, dance is very important and it makes me feel grounded in moments where I’m feeling lost. When I arrived in Peru, I was on a quest to find a dance studio so I could continue my training and even learn a new style of dance. I asked my Peruvian friends if they knew of dance studios, and I asked my host sister if I could dance with her at her studio. After dance class, I may be tired, but I come home with the biggest smile on my face.
In terms of branching out, I always try to attend events to meet new people. I have made so many new friends, and we try to hang out at least once a week.
Were there any clichés that were proven true or false?
The fruits taste so much better here.
What is your housing situation? What is that like?
I’m staying with a host family. It has honestly been a lovely experience, and it forces me to practice my Spanish because my host parents speak little English. My host mother is very warm and welcoming, which has made my experience 10x better. We’ve had several one-on-one host mother/daughter bonding time. My host sister is also amazing. We have daily chats, and I take dance classes with her throughout the week.
What is a typical day like? Is it similar to Conn at all?
It’s hard to describe a typical day because every day is different. Some days are simply going with the flow. I have 3 hour academic classes every weekday except Wednesdays. On Mondays, I take dance classes and meet up with my Tandem buddy for language lessons. Tuesdays are pretty open to hanging out if someone texts me and for finishing homework. Wednesdays are dedicated to hanging out with my Peruvian and exchange friends. Thursdays are my homework days. Fridays are dedicated to hanging out with my exchange buddy and my other Peruvian friends. The weekends are usually devoted to exploring different parts of Peru, hanging out with friends, and self-care.
Are you involved in anything outside of just classes?
- REA (class representative) for my Political Economy Seminar class. As a REA, my responsibilities include representing my fellow peers in the class, attending meetings with the President of the University, and communicating with the professor about the needs of the class.
- Salsa classes at the Ladies Studio in Barranco, Peru (I’m starting bachata classes in November).
- BBUP Buddies: The exchange buddy program that the university offers exchange students.
- Tandem: The language program the university offers for exchange and Peruvian students.
What advice would you give to people preparing to go away?
- Going out of your comfort zone is the best way to grow and to open doors to a plethora of new opportunities and experiences for yourself. Para progresar, primero hay que dudar.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions; you never know what someone may know.
- There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed and sometimes homesick. That’s normal; don’t ever forget that. You will get over it and it will get better.
- Branch out and meet new people. You are abroad. Other students want to meet new people too.
What do you think you would have liked to know that you know now?
Honestly, nothing. Everything has worked out in its own timing. I have been able to partake in so many new experiences since I’ve been here. Since being in Peru, I’ve been able to experience surfing for the first time, jumping off a cliff into a waterfall, zip lining over a creek, taking salsa classes, and so much more. If I had had the knowledge before experiencing those moments, I don’t think it would have been as significant and joyous for me.
