My Application Essay

The reason I would like to participate in this study abroad program is specifically to learn more about Latin American culture and to learn some Spanish. Since I was a child I have been around Spanish speaking people, as my mothers parents came here from Cuba in 1957. Looking back on things I realize that it would have been nice to have learned Spanish from a young age and be able to communicate more readily with my grandparents. There have been times when I considered taking a Spanish course but never really was able to fit it into the rigorous schedule of a science major. Also I have always felt that programs in which one is submersed in the language are the best for becoming more fluent, at least conversationally. I therefore look at the opportunity to be enrolled in such a program in Oaxaca, Mexico as one I should not pass up. It is my goal to, after participating in the program, be able to come home and further develop my Spanish speaking skills with my mothers family and perhaps even go to Cuba one day. Furthermore I have only been out of the country briefly and that was to go on a class trip to Canada. I think that due to my heritage it is only fitting that the first experience I have abroad be in Latin America.

-JL-