Kelly's Study Abroad T-Shirt Fundraiser

Note: This is my very first time going abroad (and additionally very first experience flying) and therefore an invaluable opportunity for me to grow as an individual.
Beginning in my first Spanish class in middle school, I fell in love with the language and decided that one day I’d be bilingual. By college, I realized that my dream of studying abroad didn’t have to be elusive, and started researching different programs and scholarships. Immediately upon discovering ECELA schools, I strongly identified with their philosophies and objectives. The school’s name alone, “Español y Cultura en Latinoamérica,” highlighted the two major requirements I was looking for. I want to use this unique and invaluable experience to grow as a Spanish speaker and more generally, as a global citizen.

ECELA Lima will contribute tremendously to my present and future academic plans. I have made it my goal to be fluent in Spanish and have an acute understanding of Hispanic culture by my graduation from University at Buffalo. As a current student studying Spanish Language and Literature, an immersion experience like ECELA’s will help me to overcome some of the language obstacles I struggle with. Although I can read, write, and listen fairly well, I know my speaking capacity is lagging behind. I want to venture far out of my comfort zone, speaking freely, not worrying about mistakes, and gladly receiving constructive criticism. Having to communicate without English as a backup is essential. ECELA offers much more than a “tourist’s” experience. I truly believe I will have an authentic experience of what Peruvian life is like in Lima while being perpetually infused with Spanish.

Upon graduation, I plan to use Spanish to help communities in an ever-growing pluralistic society by teaching TESOL. Wherever I end up, being fluent in Spanish and having cultural competency will be unquestionably required.

Learning Spanish gives me a childlike wonder and adventurous spirit. Everything about it makes me come alive. Spending a semester in Peru will immensely further my current academic goals, vastly contribute to my future goals, and deeply nourish me as both an individual and global citizen. Please help me make this study abroad experience a reality!