Freshman year, I was very optimistic, and I drafted a detailed four-year plan. It was my first year at MSU and I was going to graduate in three with two majors and two minors. Most of my plans fell through, one way or another, but somehow, the Environmental and Science Communication Education Abroad stuck. So, when I learned that the program would be held in Peru the summer before I graduate, I knew I had to go. It wasn’t easy. The program was more affordable since it was held in Peru and not somewhere in Europe, but I wouldn’t have been able to go without these scholarships. My first piece of advice is to apply for as many scholarships as possible.

It was worth it. Not to be cliche, but it was truly life changing. I learned new perspectives, tried new things, and gained confidence in my ability to adapt to new environments. I can even order dinner in Spanish now. I was worried about the language aspect. I knew my high school Spanish wouldn’t be enough and Duolingo mostly just made me hate that owl. But some of my classmates were Spanish minors and the professor is from Peru. Combined with google translate and the genuine kindness of strangers, I made it work. Second piece of advice, ask questions. I learned a lot of Spanish by asking our program guide and the professor random questions about the language.

Lima is one of the culinary capitals of the world. Do not take this for granted. Comforting dishes like tacu tacu or something more exciting like ceviche, which I never would have imagined liking. Food is one of the best ways to explore a new culture. Third piece of advice, take every chance to try new foods. You can easily find familiar foods, but now’s the time to take some risks. I didn’t like everything I tried, but I’m glad I did.

The wildlife and natural attractions are incredible. Not to brag, but every other photo in my roll could be in National Geographic. I saw some of the most fascinating insects, plants, and animals of my life during the week in Tambopata. The last piece of advice is to record. Not just pictures, but journal, blog, sketch, scrapbook. Do something creative to process and synthesize the barrage of sensory input. It goes by quickly and I’m already nostalgic over a parrot-shaped luggage tag, some stamps, and a crumpled map of Cusco.

Name: Nicoline Bradford
Status: Senior
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Canton, Michigan
Program: Environmental and Science Communication in Peru