Business in Peru students share about their experiences abroad
Study Abroad students from left to right - Tara Holland, Janine Zuniga, and Barrett Long.
Searching for a way to expand their cultural knowledge, three Medicine Hat College (MHC) students enrolled in a study abroad opportunity in Lima, Peru, which was offered during their reading break, February 16-20.
Tara Holland, Barrett Long, and Janine Zuniga, each come from different educational backgrounds, but were connected in their desire to experience the world. Thanks to University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP), who offered each student a $3,500 scholarship, the three packed their bags to study Business in Peru.
The goal of the program was to provide insights into how business culture differs from North America. In addition to lectures delivered by business instructors, the students toured large-scale businesses, including Coca-Cola and logistics factories.
First-year Education student, Zuniga, says she was interested in seeing how things are made and seeing the behind-the-scenes of the businesses. She also enjoyed participating in language exchanges with those interested in improving their English.
"Those were super fun, because I got to meet people I've never met before and just talk to them."
Improving their interpersonal skills resonated with all of the students, as the experience forced them to learn how to speak with those who communicate differently than they’re used to.
As a student in the Social Work program at MHC, Holland says she was challenged by both the language barrier and indirect communication style of the Peruvian people.
"There's learning cultural diversity and differences being high context versus low context, direct versus indirect communication style, so those were the two biggest learning curves for me, and also just a developing country versus a developed country,” says Holland. “I just learned better communication styles, working with different people, and the differences among Peruvians and Canadians.”
General Studies student, Long, is planning on taking Addictions Counselling in the fall and says the experience was beneficial to his studies.
"I've learned how to make connections with people that are hard to communicate with and I feel like I've seen a new part of the world that's given me new insight into how to carry myself."
Medicine Hat College offers a range of Education Abroad experiences each year. Email goabroad@mhc.ab.ca to learn more about upcoming opportunities.
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