B.S. Language and International Health | Spanish Concentration
Clemson University, May 2025
Semester Abroad in Ecuador
On January 14, 2024, I landed at the Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport for the first time, beginning my journey in Ecuador...
In January 2024, I started my semester abroad in Quito, Ecuador, taking classes at La Fundación Cimas. Halfway through the semester, I packed up my bags, moved away from my friends and host family, and found myself 2 hours north in Otavalo, Ecuador. Here, I completed an internship at Hospital San Luis de Otavalo with a new host family and a new set of challenges to face.
During my first week of classes in Quito, I took a field trip to Cotopaxi, a popular
mountain outside the city. On this trip, I wrote a letter to myself to reflect on at the end of my semester. In it, I described my goals: improve my confidence in my Spanish, learn a new Latin American recipe or dance, and make deep connections with the people I meet. Looking back, I realize just how much I accomplished.
One of the most difficult yet impactful days I had in Ecuador was during my third week there. I was scheduled to have an interview with the school staff to determine my internship placement, and I was incredibly nervous. I wasn’t confident in my Spanish, and I didn’t know what my placement options were. I tried my best to communicate what I wanted, but I stumbled over my words and left the meeting feeling frustrated and embarrassed. My face burned with red splotches - the same way I used to feel as a shy, nervous kid. I immediately felt like I had taken a step backward, but I reminded myself that this one meeting wouldn’t define my experience.
Two months later, I found myself standing in front of a room of hospital patients and
administrators, presenting the benefits of breastfeeding and helping to organize more
breastfeeding club meetings for new moms. The difference in my confidence was remarkable. I always tell myself now that if I could present in Spanish, my second language, on topics new to me to native speakers who were professionals in the field, then I could speak about anything in English back home. The work I put into developing my communication skills during my semester abroad will continue to guide me and develop as I step into my next role.
Working in a hospital setting gave me a whole new perspective on healthcare. I saw firsthand how social and economic factors affected patients’ ability to maintain a healthy diet, and I realized how important it is to provide realistic, culturally appropriate care. Some patients simply couldn't afford certain nutritious foods, while others had deeply rooted cultural practices that made them hesitant to change their diets.
Beyond expanding my language and cultural competencies, my experience abroad helped me appreciate the healthcare systems and resources I have access to in the U.S. In Ecuador, I experienced nationwide electricity rations, with power shutting off for 12 hours a day. I had to completely adjust to figure out how to work in a hospital, use my phone, and conduct research when I did not have lights, internet, or cell service. I also had to adjust to smaller differences, like the lack of spicy food (I would have never guessed that Ecuadorians don’t like spice)! These differences were small but significant. They broadened my perspective and reinforced my eagerness to grow in challenges.
As a piece of trout currently sits in my freezer waiting for me to make a bowl of ceviche (my favorite dish I tried in Ecuador), I reflect on the community I built during this semester. The other American students I was with during this trip still regularly text in our group chat. My host sister and I still message, dreaming up plans to visit again one day.
Studying abroad in Ecuador was more than just seeing a new country. It was a journey of self-discovery. I faced challenges, made mistakes, and had moments of doubt, but I also grew in ways I never expected. This experience has reshaped my perspective on healthcare, nutrition, and my own role in making a difference. More importantly, it has given me the confidence to step into the unknown, knowing that growth happens when we push ourselves beyond what’s familiar. As I move forward, I’ll carry these lessons with me, applying them not just in my career, but in the way I interact with the world around me.
One of the most common questions I was asked during my time in Ecuador was, “What is a popular dish from South Carolina?” I never knew how to answer this question, always thinking to say hotdogs, french fries, hamburgers, and mac and cheese - foods I don’t even regularly eat. It took me a long time to realize that my answer was breakfast bagel sandwiches, roasted turkey, and chicken and dumplings. At first, this question seemed silly, but it made me realize how many aspects of my own culture I take for granted. Ecuadorians are incredibly proud of their culture and their country’s history, and that pride taught me to better appreciate my own upbringing and the traditions that have shaped me.
