and Biodiversity Conservation : Testimonials (Tortuguero)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by Office of International Programs
We want to hear about your experience!
Why did you choose this program?
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I chose the program because I wanted a different experience than others at Wofford. I felt that it was common to go to Spain, Chile, Argentina for Spanish and I wanted a new experience that I could tell others about. I think Panama doesn't have much known about it from a US perspective besides the canal is there. Therefore there is so much I can share about Panama and learn in regards to their view on the canal and why. I also was interested in the topic of the program's human ecology marine biodiversity.
— Jacolvy Garcia, Spring 2014 |
What was your favorite aspect of this program?
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My favorite aspect was the attitude of the community there. Their atmosphere on life was more in line with mine. For example as a stranger I walked to multiple stranger's houses and talked to them for hours as they gave me food and drink while we talked. At the end of the conversation they usually offered to take me to their neighbors so I could talk more.
— Jacolvy Garcia, Spring 2014 |
What was your housing situation like?
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The housing varied because I lived with less technological indigenous groups and I also lived with modern communities as well. Some of them did not have a "shower" but instead a bucket and a tank full of water. The only problem I had was the homestays without pummeling. The food was ok everywhere, but it did not vary much. Only one place out of the 5 homestays had internet.
— Jacolvy Garcia, Spring 2014 |
What was your favorite class and why?
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My favorite class was the terrestrial ecology and Spanish because I felt like I learned the most in these classes. In the ecology class we worked in groups of 4 to accomplish a task and we were not spoon fed the information. It was lab-based learning and we would then present in spanglish after having some time to work on creating a mini presentation of the results. It gave practice in working in groups, talking in spanish, presenting, and field experience. Spanish class was a favorite because it was only 2 other students in my class. With only 3 people I felt more open to speaking in spanish and practicing in my class. Also I could ask more questions and have more time for one on one learning.
— Jacolvy Garcia, Spring 2014 |
What did you gain from studying abroad?
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I think I cannot put into words fully what I have learned from studying abroad. I have seen a totally different culture and people and it was amazing to talk with them. I feel I understand myself more and I am more reassured about who I am as an individual. I improved in relating to others and have gained more wisdom than anything else.
— Jacolvy Garcia, Spring 2014 |