What did your provider do for you and what did you need to do on your own?
Mackenzi:This program had a perfect balance of feeling autonomous and being cared for. I was placed in a public school in a low-income area in Lima. Of course I was afraid of so many things - how to get there, my Spanish capability, the placement, my potential helpfulness, and so many more.
Those working for ELAP made sure that I arrived at the school safely and accompanied me until I felt comfortable to travel on my own. The first classroom I was placed in made me feel very uneasy, and the ELAP employees heard me and helped me address my concerns by advocating for me and relocating me. Once they knew I felt confident, I was able to continue on my own but knew that they would be there for me at the snap of a finger.
What was the best place you visited outside of your home-base city?
Mackenzi:During and after my stay I was able to visit several other cities and countries! Wandering throughout Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina were wonderful experiences for me.
However, my absolute favorite experience was spending a weekend with a family living in a village on the Amazon river. Six hours up the river north of Iquitos (a main Amazonian city in Peru) is a small community known as “El Chino”. I was welcomed into the home of Miguel, his wife, and his four-year-old child.
In this village I slept on hammocks, was introduced to the magical stories of the rainforest, learned about how the village utilized the natural resources, and encountered beautiful, wild animals. To be honest, I was uncomfortable and a little bit scared - yet, I learned that one of the only ways to have such an amazing experience is to leave your comfort zone and cope with discomfort.
Describe your program socially and academically.
Mackenzi:I met lifelong friends through this program. Over a year later, and we still see each other multiple times a year. In fact, one of my closest friends moved from her home-state to mine and we see each other on a regular basis!
Coming into the program, I had no idea that I would meet such wonderful people. I entered the program solely to serve and volunteer, but I left the program with a plethora of new experiences and some of the most valuable relationships I have ever had.
In addition to learning about myself and others, I was fortunate enough to learn about the education system and values in Lima. As I pursue a degree in clinical psychology, I have noticed my experience in Lima enhancing my relationship with clients. I gained a new perspective about education and differing lifestyles that I can now utilize in my future practice with Latina/o clients.
Tell us about any interesting cultural tidbits you noticed about your country.
Mackenzi:Previous to spending time in Peru, I had lived and worked in Mexico for a time. I came into the experience in Lima thinking that I knew a lot about Latina/o culture because I had spent so much time in Mexico.
My time in Lima, and other areas of South America, taught me that the Latina/o culture is vibrant and made up of many different subcultures. My understanding of culture was expanded - food, architecture, nature, Spanish language nuances, and especially the people.
Peru has a unique history contributing to their overall warm demeanor, welcoming attitude, and livelihood. Perhaps the most interesting thing I found was that Spanish words that I used in Mexico meant something completely different in Peru - sometimes I was completely misunderstood and other times I was met with giggles!