Foundations of Global Health - Peru

I went to Peru with GLA in June 2024 and quite literally loved every second of it. With 12 other students, I learned about healthcare in rural areas, toured around Cusco, and even learned a bit of Spanish! We did 4 clinic days, where we shadowed medical professionals in pop-up clinics. We got to work with all different ages from young children to grandparents. I think my favourite part of the clinics was getting to spend time with the children and form such a strong connection with them in just one day. While I originally thought that the language barrier could make collaborating and connecting with members of the community difficult, it wasn’t at all. The doctors I was working with were understanding and patient, and helped me when I was confused. One of my favourite memories from my trip is laughing with the children of the village, they are all so funny! I learned how to read, write, and say various phrases in Spanish and even some more complex medicine related ones too. For me, these were my favourite days because this was when I could do my most hands-on work. Seeing the impact we had on the lives of the patients was life-changing, and sparked my desire to work in medicine. If I could change the program, I would want to do more clinic days. They were so special for me, and I wish we could’ve done more so we could’ve had even more of an impact. On top of clinic days, we went to Machu Picchu, went whitewater rafting, saw the Maras Salt Mines and explored Cusco! We also got to explore the town of Ollantaytambo, before boarding a train to Aguas Calientes, the town base of Machu Picchu. Machu Picchu was amazing! We got there early so we could be ahead of the crowds, and had a guide to tell us about the Incan Empire and Machu Picchu. These fun experiences gave me the chance to bond with others in my group, and in only 2 weeks I made some of my best friends! Most evenings, if we weren’t too tired from the day's activities, we would go on a Cusco outing, wandering around markets, the town square, and seeing all it had to offer. We were frequent visitors of Cusco’s famous market, San Pedro. I bought some souvenirs for my family, and had the best dried mango I’ve ever eaten. It was these fun little experiences that made my trip so special. It gave me the chance to bond with others in my group, and in only 2 weeks I made some of my best friends!