This year, with graduation looming on the horizon, I knew something had to be done. That's when I got an e-mail from my school informing me about internships through the International Study Programs (ISP) office on campus. I saw that they were offering internship opportunities next Spring/Summer in the Andean Region of South America, and decided it wouldn't hurt to apply.
On November 25 (the deadline), I turned in my essay, my letters of recommendation, a locket of hair, and my zodiac sign to the office. The next week (after Thanksgiving) I had an interview with the program's advisers, and the day after that I was officially accepted to the program. At that point, I knew for sure I'd be spending four months next year somewhere in the Andean Region.
It turns out, the Andean Region is huge. I won't know which part I'll be calling home 'til next semester when the office officially places me. So for now, all I know is that in less than five months, I'll be hanging out (interning) somewhere between Antarctica and Panama. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Peru, but we'll see.
Despite my lack of specific knowledge about where and with what organization I'll be interning, my advisers at ISP have encouraged me to start preparing now for my international experience by studying up on the region, the people, and the politics. Since I'm counting on Peru, my focus will be on that part of the region until further notice.
Now, my first step in the preparation process is to watch The Emperor's New Groove on a weekly basis.
I haven't quite figured out my second step yet.
As far as what I'm looking forward to, there is a lot I need to see/experience.
First, Machu Picchu.
I'll definitely squeeze in a visit to Shakira on Lake Titicaca.
And I'm planning on endless encounters with Llamas.
And wearing nothing but sweaters woven by natives from Alpaca wool.
I can hardly wait.
9 comments:
I'm pretty sure you'll get beat up, even in South America, for wearing a sweater that looks like that. Please don't do it.
And take me with you?
Que bien! Yo tambien quiero ir. Vas a divertirte mucho. Ojala que lograres Peru
yay for Peru :D oh, and you too I guess.
You are so funny. That sweater picture totally caught me off guard and made me laugh. Please DO wear sweaters like that. And bring me home a pet llama. One of these days we're going to have to stop stressing mom out with our out-of-country adventuras!
Or just make mom come along...
that is so cool....way to Go I-DA-HO! Thats from watching too much Toy Story. So be careful about watching too much New groove. You will start quoting it in your sleep!
Way to go though! Can't wait to read all about it!
Well, if lessons are to be learned from the Emperor's New Groove is: to save on postage, just poison him instead! Feel the power, Kronk.
Espero que to viaje estare muy bien. Y, a aprender espanol mejor, necesito ir a peru tambien- un dia. Despues te devuelves, dime como fue la vacacion... dijo la educacion.
Can I come, please? If not, promise me #1-you won't drink the water and #2-that you'll take a picture of Machu Pichu for me. That is on my list of places I want to see before I die. :)
You had to blog about it didn't you! I was trying to put it somewhere in the back of my mind. I was thinking if I ignored it, it would go away!!! MAN! I'm dreaming of vitamins, gamma shots, health potions, vaccinations....you name it! I am proud of you for being accepted though. But why oh why can't it be somewhere more "first world"???
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