Cheers To The Many First Times!

Studying abroad is the best decision you will ever make! If you ever see yourself with the opportunity to study abroad anywhere in the world, especially Guatemala/Belize, do not think it twice! Believe me, you will never regret it.

Be flexible and willing to take yourself out of your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to try new things, such as hiking a volcano, snorkeling in the Caribbean, or swimming with sharks, because even if it’s the first time that you’re doing such things or if it scares you to death, those experiences will end up giving you the best memories ever along the people that you will get to call friends forever!

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Myself, a person who finds hard to open up to people and get comfortable with the uncomfortable, found the way to make the best out of this study abroad experience. I met awesome people that I now have the privilege to call friends, and along them I created the best memories of the many first times we had together. Along my friends, I got to swim/snorkel with sharks, sting rays, an eel and a manatee! We also got to hike a volcano and climb one of the highest temples in the Maya world, never giving up, always together and supporting each other.

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This study abroad experience in Guatemala and Belize will always live in my memory and in my heart, and even though it came to an end I know that it is just the beginning of many more first times to come and everlasting friendships. No matter where you go study abroad make sure to make the best out of it, give it your all and remember to always include your peers on anything that you do because those experiences will make a difference and will live with you forever!

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“Guatemala Tu Nombre Inmortal”

Deciding to apply to study abroad in Guatemala, my own country, has been the best decision I have ever made! Starting the program in Antigua Guatemala I didn’t know what to expect or what I was about to get myself into. Our first weekend in Guatemala a group of us decided to immerse ourselves into one of the best experiences of our lives, hike the Pacaya volcano! I must admit that it is the most amazing and adventurous thing I have ever done, and no matter how tired or sore I felt, the view and tranquility that I received at the top of the volcano was worth every step of the hike!

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But, little did I know that this Maymester program would bring so much insight, knowledge and awareness into my life about my own culture and people. At San Juan La Laguna, a town at the shores of Lake Atitlán, I met the most inspiring woman named Delfina. She taught me that anything that you set your mind to is possible, no matter what language you speak or where you come from, you have the potential to achieve it!

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I will never regret getting myself into this Maymester program because I have met some of the smartest and most amazing people in the world, and this experience is not only making me more prepared for my professional career, but it is making me a better citizen of Guatemala and a better human being in this world!

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Kelly D. Martínez

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