News Summary
Six students from West Texas A&M University had a transformative experience during a month-long study abroad trip to Peru. Immersing themselves in the culture, they lived with host families in Lima and studied the country’s rich history and Spanish language. Participants explored iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu and engaged in local traditions, enhancing their cultural competence and academic growth. The university plans another study abroad opportunity in Peru for the following year, highlighting the significance of global experiences in education.
Amarillo, Texas
Six students from West Texas A&M University (WT) recently embraced a transformative experience by participating in a month-long Study Abroad trip to Peru. This unique opportunity took place in June, with students primarily majoring or minoring in Spanish immersing themselves in the rich Peruvian culture.
The group lived with host families in Lima for three weeks, allowing them to deeply connect with local traditions and daily life. Led by Dr. Eduardo Huaytán-MartÃnez, assistant professor of Spanish and director of the Spanish program, students gained invaluable insights into Peru’s complex history, spanning from precolonial times to the present. Participants earned six college credits while engaging in comprehensive Spanish language and culture classes throughout the trip.
Among the participants was Ubaldo Campa, a senior political science major from Amarillo, who emphasized the profound impact of this “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The other students taking part included Jocelyn Carrasco from Amarillo, Daphne Favela from Hereford, Michaela Kramer from San Antonio, Aylin Navarrete from Perryton, and Daisy Pando from Borger. Their diverse backgrounds included a majority of Mexican American students, many of whom had never visited a Latin American country prior to this journey.
Cultural Exploration and Learning
During their month-long adventure, the students explored various regions, including iconic sites like Machu Picchu and the Larco Museum. They also experienced Peru’s ecological diversity, venturing through highlands, the Amazon rainforest, and coastal deserts. The rich cultural tapestry engaged students in everything from local cuisine to traditional ceremonies, fostering a deeper understanding of life in Peru.
Dr. Huaytán-MartÃnez also noted that the students appreciated both urban settings and rural experiences, with Campa expressing a personal preference for the latter. This balanced exposure focused not only on language acquisition but also on understanding the challenges and daily lives of Peruvians, enriching the students’ academic and personal growth.
The Importance of Study Abroad
Itzel Anett, director of WT’s Study Abroad and Distinguished Scholars programs, outlined the significant role of such initiatives in enhancing cultural competence and global awareness among students. Through immersive experiences like this, students develop a broader perspective that enriches both their education and worldview.
The WT Spanish Department has announced plans for another Study Abroad opportunity in Peru scheduled from May 31 to June 28, 2025. The estimated cost for this upcoming program is $7,223.03, which encompasses housing, transportation, entry fees, and academic resources. Faculty members are optimistic about expanding student recruitment for future trips, given the enriching experiences reported by past participants.
Conclusion
The experiences garnered by students during this study abroad trip aim to enhance their language skills while providing first-hand exposure to Peru’s unique traditions and culinary delights. This program represents a significant step towards fostering global citizenship among students at West Texas A&M University.
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Additional Resources
- MyHighPlains: Students with West Texas A&M University Return from Studying in Peru
- The Prairie News: Explore Peru by Studying Abroad
- The Prairie News: Immigration and Customs Enforcement – What the WT Community Should Know
- Wikipedia: Study Abroad
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Peru
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