Hola! My name is Jordan Holmes, and I am a junior at Wofford College majoring in Spanish and Psychology with a minor in Religion. This blog will where I document my semester abroad in Cuzco, Peru.
So many countries, where to go?
As a Spanish major, I already knew I was going to spend a semester abroad, but with so many Spanish-speaking countries, it was difficult to decide where to go! In my previous Spanish classes at Wofford, we talked a lot about globalization and the importance of intercultural competence. When I saw this program in one of the catalogs during a meeting with the Office of International Programs, it immediately stuck out to me. The program I will be a part of emphasizes indigenous peoples and globalization and the maintenance of distinct cultural groups despite increasing interconnectedness. I will be studying Quechua, one of the native languages of Peru, as well as conducting my own independent study project on how indigenous communities in Peru are transforming in a rapidly changing global society.
Excited but also Nervous
Obviously, I am really excited to be spending a semester in Cuzco, Peru because it is truly an incredible opportunity. I have heard nothing but positive things from friends who have been to Peru before. I’ll be living in a city that is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World—who wouldn’t be excited about that? On the other hand, I am also feeling quite nervous. It is not travel that really concerns me; this year alone I have already spent two weeks in Morocco and a month in Greece. I am mostly worried about the language barrier. I have a decent grasp of reading and writing in Spanish but speaking and understanding is a different story. I know that being immersed in the language will help tremendously though. There is really no better way to learn, so I am excited to see how much my Spanish abilities improve over the next three and a half months.
Expectations
I am really looking forward to living with a family in Cuzco because it will be very helpful not only for practicing my Spanish but also for allowing me to experience the local culture in a less touristic way (and for getting homecooked meals!). I am also excited about the travel I will get to do within Peru including hiking Machu Picchu, visiting Lake Titicaca, and exploring the Amazon. Aside from the many scheduled classes and excursions already planned for me, I also hope to get involved with a local church in Cuzco and learn more about what religion looks like for Peruvians.
This time next week, I will be in the middle of my flight from Atlanta to Peru—I have to start packing soon! I will miss being among the comfortable Wofford community, but I know that this semester will be so memorable and impactful. I can’t wait to start my journey!