As new or veteran travelers, all of us recognize when there is a new food or unfamiliar activity that seems uncomfortable. When we travel, we have an opportunity to try something spontaneous, or even daring. When we face that challenge, we have the ability to make a huge impact on our time abroad and beyond! 

Eight students said goodbye to their family and friends and made their way to Lima, Peru, where they met up with the EdOdyssey team in preparation for their semester abroad. EdOdyssey’s orientation is a month-long, which gives students a substantial amount of time to create friendships with one another, participate in language classes, and get to know their new city.

When teachers and administration speak with us about an immersion program abroad, we consistently get one question: “How much will this program cost our parents and students?” Cost can be one of the biggest factors and concerns when considering traveling overseas, which is why EdOdyssey works with schools to make it work for you - the parents and students! 

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.