The month of July is the time we celebrate what it means to be Peruvian. Our streets are embroidered with Peruvian flags above every home and building, and children and workers wear cockades, or knotted ribbons, with our national colors in remembrance of the day we declared our independence from the Spanish Crown. In preparation for Peru’s July 28th independence celebration, the restaurants bring on more staff because eating in Peru means so much more than just the food.

Whether you’re going into your freshman year of college or senior year, you’ll always have to come up with an academic game plan and adjust it along the way. As you figure out what classes they want to take, clubs, which classes to take and what your future will look like beyond the classroom

Travelers carry memories and life lessons found during their time overseas with them and even when they return home. Lessons learned abroad not only act as great stories, but benefit from overcoming the challenges that create personal development and an opportunity to learn in and out of the classroom.

Challenges and cultural differences are to be expected, though they can come across as overwhelming at times. Culture shock can create an initial feeling where challenges seem insurmountable, but you’re not alone if you experience homesickness, loneliness, or isolation!

My name is Amanda and I recently graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with my bachelor’s in psychology. I have always been fascinated by how people perceived their situations and the process of finding one’s identity.

Before studying abroad, I believed travel consisted of resorts, guided tours, and pre-packaged experiences. I now realize that travel is about making connections, gaining new perspectives, and overcoming challenges.