Hasta Luego Nicaragua!

Hey everyone! Its Katelyn and Alex, back at it again with our final blog post about our study abroad trip in Nicaragua. After about 2 weeks in Nicaragua, we have safely made it back to our homes in the United States. For our final blog, we each just want to explain how much we’ve learned from our time in Nicaragua and reflect upon how this trip has impacted us in so many ways.

Katelyn’s Reflection:

Considering this was my first study abroad trip, and out of the country “on my own”, I was feeling tons of emotions leading up to the departure to Nicaragua. Doing something like this was outside of my comfort zone, but it only has helped me grow as an individual. I am a social work major and a future social worker so I knew I wanted to get hand on/visual experiences that relates to my passion. This trip was suite best for me in many ways only to find out it was a better experience than I could have ever imagined!

Knowing that there are people/students in another country, even underdeveloped than the U.S., with the same goals as I in improving society is a feeling like no other. While meeting with other students and discussing interests on various human rights and social issues, you learn a lot about individuals, systems, and even yourself. It was an honor to meet all of the organizations, and their strength and courage to continue fighting for their rights as a community is truly beautiful and inspiring.

The number one highlight of the trip for me personally was the home stay. Although it was what I was most nervous about, it is what I will miss the most. Who knew a six-year-old girl, in a country thousands of miles away, could have an impact on my life as much as she did. Also, the family I stayed with was amazing. Growing up in a Spanish environment, gave me an advantage so that I never felt uncomfortable, and for that I am blessed. Although I am not fluent in the Spanish language, I tried my best to communicate. Communication was the biggest challenge, but out of it came the most growth. I hope this program never stops doing home stays, and I hope others after me have the same great time that I had.

I made friends for life on this trip, had the opportunity to do things I never imagined I would be able to do, and tackled personal challenges all in the matter of two weeks.

Going to central America is a completely different and complex reality than going east to Europe for example. The Eiffel Tower might be an amazing thing to visit, but I’d pick my trip on social issues and human rights over that any day. Opportunities are endless and if you really want to make things happen, you CAN! Take control, live, and learn – its the beauty of passion, determination, and happiness!

Alex’s Reflections:

Traveling to Nicaragua was my first time ever going out of the country and I had no idea what to expect on this trip. When I applied to studying aboard, I actually applied to a program that would be visiting China. Due to low interest, the trip was cancelled and I ended up transferring my application to this program – Social Issues and Human Rights in Nicaragua. At the time, I had no knowledge on Nicaragua; I also knew nothing about social work. My plan was to go on the trip with an open mind and learn as much as I could. I wasn’t sure what I would take away from this program or how I could use what would learn in my life and engineering classes – but YOLO (you only live once)! Everything happens for a reason and after spending 2 weeks in this program, I’ve learned and gained so much, both personally and academically.

My time in Nicaragua was eye opening. I’ve had the opportunity to be educated about so many issues that are occurring there, as it pertains to social and human rights. I am grateful for all the organizations that I have been exposed to, that are trying to make a difference in the communities in Nicaragua. After learning about the issues faced in Nicaragua, I realized that they were the same issues faced here in America. It’s amazing to think that the 2^nd poorest country in Central America has the same issues has one of the most economically powerful countries in the world. Going to college has put me in sort of a bubble – sometimes I forget what is going on in the world. Ironically, this trip has also made me aware of what is happening in my own country. I have come back to the states, with a task of spreading the message about what is happening both in Nicaragua and in the United States.

Aside from learning about the social and human rights issues in Nicaragua, I also was inspired by all the speakers from the organizations that we visited. Each person we spoke with had a very go-getting, determined, and optimistic personality. One of my favorite visits was to Café de las Sonrisas, which is a restaurant and hammock shop that provides employment to people with disabilities. The founder of this restaurant created so much from nothing. He had no money when he opened the restaurant, just a dream and a vision. He was very clear in one of his messages – if you want to do something, do it, and let no excuses get in the way of accomplishing your dreams. The “North American” mind set, is how he framed it. I find myself always making excuses for why I haven’t done something. Lately, I’ve even found myself too scared to go after what I really want in life. I can say that I left Nicaragua, ready to start a new journey of getting into medical school.

Overall, I cannot put into words how much this trip has changed my perspective on life. I had such an amazing experience with so many amazing people.
This study abroad trip was a once in lifetime opportunity and I’m glad that I was able to be a part of it!

Until we meet again Nicaragua!

Hasta Luego,

Catalina y Alejandria