Bruce Blansett (sophmore, Spanish Major):

When Professor Ponce first approached my Spanish class with the prospect of going to Ecuador, I was intrigued by the aspect and anxious to find out more details.  So, after speaking with all of the appropriate people and realizing that Ecuador was actually a feasible option, I signed up to go.  This decision has made such an incredible impact on my life.  As the trip grew nearer and nearer, my excitement mounted, and at the same time, I began to get nervous.  Ecuador was a whole new world for me, and I didn’t know what to expect.

          

    When I finally made it to Ecuador, I knew that this would be a life-changing experience.  I saw things I had never seen before, learned about concepts that I’d never considered, and experienced such a variety of new sensations and thoughts that the time I spent there was like no other stay I had ever spent.  From the first day to the very last, there was always an abundance of new things. 

Though we were there for a two-and-a-half weeks, I still learned and saw something new each day.  From trekking up volcanoes to feeling the mist of breath-taking waterfalls, we experienced the whole gambit of pleasure.  We were able to learn a great deal, having fun all the while, and, though we had our responsibilities to class and decency, we still had the leisure to explore our own interests and have an all-around pleasurable stay.

          

    I would sincerely recommend this type of trip to anyone interested in seeing new sights, experiencing new cultures, or just broadening his or her horizons.  The trip to Ecuador unlocked opportunities that I had never before considered, and I can now better appreciate other cultures and think in more open-minded terms.  I understand that there are wonderful opportunities out there, and I wish for you to have gain the same type of valuable experience as I have.