Moving on to things I'm really looking forward to doing/ learning.
Many of you may be wondering- Why Peru? This choice emerged from a love of Latin American Culture, the Spanish language and art. I looked into many study abroad programs in South America and after some exploring, this program appeared to be the best fit for me. I wanted a "nontraidional" study abroad experience. Cusco Peru's enticing mountains and anchient ruins painted a backdrop of this experience for me. How?- I'm going through a partner program with my university called Academic Studies Abroad, they basically set everything up for you and have a relationship with various universities abroad. My university is called Universidad de San Ignacio de Loyola. There I will study photography and spanish.
Which brings me to my first exciting learning opportunity- photography! I currently have a digital slr-aka big camera with lenses, and am really looking forward to learning more about Peruvian culture through photography. Another super exciting thing that is going to happen while I'm there is the Inti Raymi Festival, this is a well known South American festival of the Inca Sun God. Festivities will begin in June 24th. I'm trying to have no expectations! Also, my parents will be joining me for this festival and potentially my boyfriend. I am also hoping to be able to observe in an Elementary school in Cusco. I think it would be SO cool to see how they educate their students with such a rich culture. Last but not least I cannot wait to see Machu Picchu- one of the seven wonders of the world. Anyways- there are 27 days before I depart! I couldn't be more anxious, excited or nervous!
