Hello! My name is Ashley Heuer, and I’m preparing for my International Business study abroad trip to South America! As both a business major and Spanish minor, I was SO excited about this opportunity, because it combines two of my passions. It has been on my bucket list to travel to South America, so I was eager to jump on the opportunity. I also loved that the trip is in the May interim, so I can still make summer plans, while also getting a unique study abroad experience.
Because of the quick turnaround time for this trip, I am simultaneously packing up my dorm to move out, while also packing for my trip abroad. When packing, I like to start with clothes, because I think that’s the easiest to plan ahead for. I plan out comfortable outfits for each day, as well as supplemental outfits needed for the trip, such as business casual attire for when we visit local businesses. After clothes, I move on to accessories, such as comfortable walking shoes, coats, hats, and crossbody bags. When deciding these things, I have to check the weather and our agenda to make sure I’m adequately prepared. I also did some research on cultural changes, and prepared myself for things like charge adaptors and currency exchanges. Lastly, I had an appointment with a travel doctor, to go over medications I may need to take, and certain precautions to avoid getting unnecessarily sick.
My trip is rapidly approaching, and in finishing out the school year with finals, I haven’t had too much time to think about it, but I am getting VERY excited. I have talked about the trip with my family and friends, but I don’t really know anyone who has been to this part of the world, so it will all be a big surprise for me. I have been out of the country before, but never to South America, so the process of travelling abroad is not new, but all of the specifics are. However, this is not something that scares me, instead it excites me, because I know it will be a great adventure!!
While abroad, I want to immerse myself in the local culture as much as possible. I want to experience what locals experience as much as possible, and even speak Spanish whenever I can. I will only be abroad for a few weeks, so I want to make the most out of my experience, and come back with plenty of fun memories!!
