Lindsay | Peru

Lindsay Olson is a UW Master’s Student in International Studies who traveled to Peru to conduct research on sustainable farming methods during the summer of 2012. Lindsay says that “meeting and working with individuals in the farming communities was not only beneficial to my research but also was a great human interaction and an opportunity to make friends.”

While in Peru, Lindsay lived in several places. She stayed in hostels and completed home-stays in the city and in “the campo.” She enjoyed each of these accommodations and recommends them to other UW students who choose to travel to Peru.

Lindsay also suggests that an UW students who are in the Andes, visit the “amazing Incan ruins, including Machu Picchu.” She also recommends   visiting Cusco for its “interesting museums and vibrant food markets.”  Another benefit of visiting the city of Cusco is that “Cusco and surrounding areas are very safe.”

Lindsay suggests that UW students take advantage of all opportunities to travel abroad. She says, “traveling abroad is always worthwhile no matter if it is an independent research or a faculty-led trip; utilize the help of the International Programs office, they are very helpful and can make the planning process easier.”

If you’re interested in traveling to Peru, or conducting independent international research, feel free to contact Lindsay at lindsayo@uwyo.edu. 

Kari | Peru

Kari Fictum is a UW senior who traveled to Peru in the summer of 2012. Kari visited Peru for a UW Archeology Field School, a Faculty-Led program. This is the same program that Jazlynn, another featured study abroad student, attended. Check out Jazlyn’s blog for specific details about the archaeological excavations.

Kari really enjoyed the field school and highly suggests that US students, “check out all of the different (faculty-led) course offerings.” Kari also wanted to remind US students that, “you don't have to be a student in a particular department to enjoy an international experience that department may be offering.”   
      

When Kari was not in field school, her program offered optional trips to see local historical and ritual sites. Kari says she would, “highly recommend courses that also offer some additional opportunities to experience the local culture and important sites during ‘down time’, especially because trips are led by knowledgeable instructors who may be able to gain special access or discounts to some of these sites.”

Kari enjoyed the faculty-led program because such programs give students “a far different perspective than the average tourist.” However, one down side  is that many students are not proficient in the host-country language.  Kari said this was a challenge. In such cases she suggests travelling in a group with a competent language speaker and bringing a pocket dictionary.  She also recommends, “paying close attention to the way that fluent speakers communicate with the locals so that you can learn basic communication skills, should you not have them with you in a future situation.”

One of Kari’s favorite memories was getting to know the other UW students who went on the faculty-led program. She said, “we were lucky enough to have a relatively small group of students so we relied on each other a lot and became fast friends.  I have a lot of great memories of experiencing the trials and triumphs of living in a foreign place and working through a six week field school with some really great people who were also experiencing this for the first time.”    

       

Travelling abroad can seem risky, but the rewards are well worth it.  Take it from Kari who said,  “many people are timid about travelling and living in a foreign country because they may not be going with people they know well, because of the remoteness of the location, or because the country may be in an unstable area of world. However you’ll make great friends during your time there and the instructors have your comfort and safety in mind as they plan the course and during your entire time in country. You are going to gain some great experiences if you can muster up the courage to go outside of your comfort zone!”

If you’re interested in traveling to Peru or participating in a Faculty-Led Program, feel free to contact Kari at kfictum@uwyo.edu. 

Jazlynn | Peru

Jazlynn Hall is a sophomore UW student who travelled to Peru in summer of 2012. As part of the faculty-led program, Jazlynn took an archaeology class at UW then completed an archaeological field program with a UW faculty member in Peru.

During the field school, Jazlynn, and the other UW students, lived in a suburb called Banos del Inca, named for the town’s hot springs. She enjoyed living in Banos del Inca very much. During the field school, she excavated pottery pieces, cultural leavings, and to her surprise… human remains (that had not been touched in hundreds of years)!   Jazlynn called the field school a “fantastic experience.” Following the field school, she traveled to a tourist surf town called Huanchaco.

Jazlynn did not know Spanish when she left for Peru; said that not knowing the language made communication very difficult. If you are in this situation, Jazlynn recommends learning the names for basic foods first, then picking up small phrases that will allow you to interact with locals. With limited Spanish skills, Jazlynn learned to rely on body language and gestures, which she found very helpful! Although nonverbal communication proved useful, Jazlynn would not suggest going to a country without learning the language basics.

If you’re thinking of participating in a faculty-led program, or travelling to Peru, feel free to contact Jazlynn at Jhall35@uwyo.edu.