By Megan Schulte, student study abroad ambassador

For this week’s “where in the world is Miami Wednesday,” we are traveling to Ecuador to learn about Miami student, Emily Tatum’s Spanish adventure.

What program you are on: IES Quito Direct Enrollment: Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Is it a Miami or Third-Party program: Third-Party

What you are studying with your program: Classes for my major: International Conflict and Political Themes of Latin America, a class to work on Spanish fluency: Advanced Conversational Spanish; and a fantastic bread-baking class: Panadería in USFQ’s culinary school.

Why you chose the program that you did: I wanted to find a program that would allow me to be culturally and linguistically immersed. This program has been great for me, as I take my classes alongside Ecuadorian students but still have a community of US students when I am missing home.

Coolest place/thing that you have done so far: One day my host brother asked me if I wanted to join him and his friends in Sangolquí, Ecuador for a desfile (parade). I was hesitant, but ultimately said yes. Little did I know that I would be participating in the parade and riding a horse for three hours through the city! It was quite the cultural experience. Afterwards we topped off the long day with hornado, slow roasted Ecuadorian pork and headed back to Quito.

Favorite part about the program: I really enjoy the university clubs. The clubs are making my time at the university more personal and give me the opportunities to meet Ecuadorian students. I am involved in Salsa club, Bailoterapia (Zumba), and a Christian small group. Each club has enriched my experience in Ecuador.

How study away has affected/changed you so far: I really enjoy doing life here. Study abroad is a rare opportunity where you can live and study in a new city and new country. I love learning something new every day, whether that be a new word, a new restaurant, or a new perspective. It will be strange to go back to Miami, but I know that I will come back a stronger student and a well-rounded person.