My last two semesters have been a whirlwind of once in a lifetime adventures! As a part of the Global Bachelor’s International Degree Program, I spent last spring studying at Fudan University in Shanghai, China and immersing myself in a culture completely different from my own. While in China, I traveled extensively, visiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, hiking Mount Hua, one of China’s sacred mountains, and walking the Great Wall in Beijing! I took classes outside of my major to explore new topics and most enjoyed International Political Economics, where we discussed the future of Asian economies and the influence of Asia on the world market. Although all of my classes were in English, I dabbled in Mandarin and could successfully order myself food in a restaurant!

This semester I have been studying in Santiago, Chile at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, taking classes focused on my Latin American Studies major and Spanish minor. My favorite class here has been Historical Memories, where we discuss Augusto Pinochet’s rise to power and what happened in Chile during his dictatorship. I also completed an internship with TECHO, an NGO that works to build affordable housing in Chile and many other countries. Chile is a beautiful country, and I recently returned from hiking the week long W trek in Torres del Paine National Park, one of the top ten hikes in the world. Next semester I will continue on this incredible study abroad experience in Quito, Ecuador at Universidad San Francisco de Quito.

I could not be more excited for the adventures ahead! All of these experiences are only possible thanks to MVYouth and all of your help and I am endlessly grateful! Here’s to another year of adventures for all!