The Reasons Why I Did a Global Learning Experience

Traveling to South America has been one of the most rewarding things I have done thus far in my life. I learned more about myself, different cultures, how businesses run in other countries, and I also gained a deeper appreciation for the country I live in.

The Go Global South America Study Abroad program put on by the Huntsman School of Business was a life changing experience. One of the most surprising things for me on this trip was how truly different peoples lives are outside the United States. In America we are born with inherent rights, including but not limited to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, property rights, free speech etc. Not all of these rights are granted to citizens in other countries.

I highly recommend participating in a study abroad program, no matter where you end up going. It will add diversity and culture to an your life, and opens the door to the possibilities the world has to offer. It expands your horizons and deepens the connection between what you study in books and what happens in real life. While in Peru my group had the opportunity to work with S.E.E.D (Small Enterprise Education and Development program). On this trip, we worked in Trujillo, Peru doing due diligence on business loan proposals. It was so exciting to be able to incorporate the knowledge I’d gained from my finance, accounting, economics, and marketing classes and to use it all to come up with a viable solution.

One last thought is how grateful I am for the relationships I was able to make with the students and faculty on this trip. I learned so much from them and without this trip I would never have met them. I am so glad I went on this study abroad trip!

Julie Coleman