The Importance of Developing Intercultural Competence in Students

In today’s globalized world, where vast distances are bridged by rapid air travel and even faster communication technologies, people from different cultural backgrounds interact all the time. 

These people may have different upbringings and perspectives, but with intercultural competence, they can communicate effectively in spite of those differences. 

But what, exactly, is intercultural competence? And what can young people do to develop this ever-important skill?

What is Intercultural Competence?

Intercultural competence refers to a set of behavioral skills that allows people to communicate and work with people from different cultural backgrounds effectively. 

To build intercultural competence, you must learn to communicate appropriately with people who have different beliefs, lifestyles, and experiences from your own.  

When traveling, for example, a person with strong cultural intelligence is able to interact with local people respectfully. They understand the nuances of their position as a visitor as well as the specific values of the host culture, and they behave accordingly.

What are the Four Key Components of Intercultural Competence?

Intercultural competence can be broken down into four key behavioral skills. Practicing these skills is the first step to bridging cultural differences. 

Self-awareness

Any person that wants to build intercultural competence must first acknowledge the position of their own culture relative to others: they must be self-sware. 

Understand that your worldview is unlikely to be shared by people with different cultural backgrounds. Something that you see as “alien” or “weird” might be completely normal in other cultural contexts.

Empathy

Once you’ve mastered self-awareness, you can begin to consider the perspectives of others through intercultural empathy. This consists of three areas:

• Cognitive empathy, the ability to relate to another’s perceptions and beliefs;

• Emotional empathy, the ability to imagine another’s feelings, and;

• Behavioral empathy, the ability to understand another’s behavior, including its causes.

Communication

The interculturally competent person is a confident communicator and shows a willingness not only to engage with different cultures, but to learn from them too. 

Foreign languages go a long way here, but good non-verbal communication is also helpful. Strong listening skills are likewise important, being key to building cultural competence. 

Flexibility

Intercultural competence is about feeling comfortable within a range of different cultural contexts—not just one or two!

Globalization is amplifying cultural diversity in society, making it important for people to be able to adapt to many different cultures at the same time. 

Why is Intercultural Competence Important in 2021?

It’s cliche, but the world today is truly interconnected. People with different cultural upbringings regularly cross paths and collaborate for a host of different reasons.

In education, millions of international students swap their native lands in search of rich experiences abroad every year. In the workplace, most businesses depend on connections with overseas clients and customers. 

As of 2019, there was also an estimated 272 million international migrants in the world, accounting for 3.5% of the planet’s population. If you live in an OECD country, the proportion of migrants is likely even higher. 

All of this means that intercultural interactions are now happening everywhere, all the time. 

Intercultural Competence and Employability

For graduates entering the jobs market, intercultural competence is a vital skill. Many organizations—especially large multinationals—employ staff from diverse backgrounds. To function effectively, employees must regularly engage with people from different cultures.

Alongside other role-based competencies and personality requirements, hiring managers will often assess a candidate’s cultural competence during the recruitment process. 

According to the Society for Human Resource Management’s landmark report on Cultural Intelligence, organizations that build a diverse team benefit in the following ways:

• Expansion into culturally diverse markets,

• High-quality service to diverse customers and clients,

• Speed and efficiency,

• Productive assignments,

• Being an employer of choice

• Team effectiveness,

• Profitability and cost savings.

Despite the importance of intercultural competence, many jobseekers lack this fundamental skill. 

Other SHRM research shows that 15% of HR executives have encountered shortages in applicants’ intercultural skills, namely “the ability to work well with a diverse workforce and customer base.”

These findings suggest that not enough is being done to prepare young people for today’s global workforce. In the education system, practitioners must place greater emphasis on building intercultural competence to boost the employability of their students. 

How to Develop Intercultural Competence

Here are three simple steps for teachers and students to develop intercultural competence:

1. Leave your comfort zone behind

The first step to building intercultural competence is to depart from your cultural comfort zone. This can be daunting at first, but the rewards are worth it! 

This can be achieved independently by exploring cultural resources such as books and podcasts that examine other cultures or even attending a virtual study abroad program. The best way to leave your comfort zone behind, though, is to travel.

The most important thing is to suspend any preconceptions you might have about other cultures and commit to seeing them for yourself.

2. Learn from others

In spite of cultural differences, you can still learn many things from other cultures. Eventually, you may even pick up new beliefs and values from your intercultural interactions!

Surrender yourself to learning by immersing in other histories and languages. If you get the opportunity, participate in community-based learning initiatives to see directly how other people live.

Your own culture is just one way of looking at the other world; exploring others will open your mind to new ideas and experiences. 

3. Reflect on experiences

Self-reflection is crucial in developing cultural awareness. Think deeply about how culture shapes your perspective as well as the perspectives of people with different cultural backgrounds.

This self-reflective practice should highlight that culture isn’t prescriptive and differences are normal. 

It should also prompt you to question your own assumptions. This is key to bridging divides with other cultural groups and improving your communication in future intercultural interactions. 

How Study Abroad Builds Intercultural Competence

While classroom teaching can improve cultural understanding, true intercultural competence comes from experiencing other cultures first-hand. 

Study abroad exposes people to alternative lifestyles and belief systems, leading them to query their own cultural values.

This reflective process tends to create a greater sense of connectedness with others, which can have a profound effect on a person’s outlook and social behavior. 

Of course, many study abroad experiences only scratch the surface of other cultures and fail to build intercultural competence. However, cultural immersion programs, which promote authentic engagement with other cultures, often have a formative impact on their participants. 

Culturally immersive travel allows people to inhabit a world of different values and traditions. Tourist comforts are spared and local interactions become the norm. This immersion breeds familiarity, allowing travelers to feel more confident and flexible in different cultural contexts.

At Learn from Travel, we work with cultural intelligence training specialists Kolcha Collaborative to deliver immersive study abroad experiences that equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in today’s culturally diverse labor market. 

Summary

Intercultural competence is now an essential skill for students entering a highly competitive global workforce. 

Young people who engage in cultural immersion travel reap the benefits of improved intercultural skills, giving them an edge in the jobs market. 

But cultural competence isn’t just a pathway to employability—it’s about learning from others to become a more worldly and empathetic person.

If you’re an educator interested in building your students’ intercultural competence, click here to read about Learn from Travel’s fully customizable study abroad cultural immersion programs.

Top 5 Best Places to Study Abroad in Latin America

Brazil is a fantastic place to study abroad - but make sure to leave some time for the beach

For many young people, travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have only strengthened the desire to study abroad. And with vaccine rollouts and border reopenings gathering pace around the world, this is finally looking like a possibility ahead of 2022.

If you’ve been waiting all this time to travel to another country for study, you want to make sure that it’s the right one for you. In this article, you’ll find five of the current best places to study abroad in Latin America.

Latin America makes for a great region to study in because of its proximity to the US. The flights are cheaper, there is little or no time difference, and, therefore, no jet lag. The countries themselves are usually affordable compared to Europe, for example. 

Each destination on the list possesses unique qualities, but they’re all connected by having rich cultures to learn from, excellent 1-year study abroad programs, and, above all, a genuinely life-changing travel experience. 

Consider this article your student guide to study abroad in Latin America as it takes you through five of the best places to study in.

Factors used to Select the Best Places to Study Abroad

From cultural experiences to career development opportunities, there are many different factors to consider when selecting an abroad study center. Here are the eight criteria that were used to shortlist the five best places to study abroad in this article:

When in Colombia make sure to take time to head to the mountains and experience the freshest coffee in the world

1. Access to high-quality learning,

2. Range and quality of cultural experiences,

3. Ecological impact of the study experience,

4. Economic impact of the study experience on local communities,

5. Opportunity for professional development,

6. Opportunity for personal development,

7. Opportunity for adventure,

8. Affordability of the travel experience.

For each destination listed below, you’ll learn about its best features, example courses, estimated total costs per semester including accommodation and transport, and the overall benefits of study abroad.

Colombia

colombians love their country and will gladly share their culture and traditions WITH visiting STUDENTS

With a unique blend of modern cities, diverse ecosystems, and vibrant culture, Colombia has become an increasingly popular country for young people studying abroad. It’s hard to pick between the two major study centers of Bogota and Medellin, which both offer excellent educational facilities and fascinating cultural experiences. 

Wary of preconceptions about their country, Colombians have built a reputation for welcoming travelers with open arms in recent years. This is one more incentive to study in Colombia on top of its relatively cheap cost of living and nominal tuition fees for international students.

Home to around 10% of all animal species and ecosystems including dense rainforests, rugged mountains, and coastal environments, Colombia is now at the forefront of global conservation efforts. Many study abroad programs incorporate sustainable eco-tourism initiatives that enable students to broaden their ecological consciousness whilst helping local communities.

Top Universities: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Universidad de los Andes, Universidad de Antioquia

Main Benefits: Easy to understand Spanish dialect, Authenticity of experience due to low tourism, Affordable flights on Spirit Airlines and Avianca. 

Recommended Majors: Biology, Peace and Conflict, Spanish

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: US $12,000

Brazil

Rio is a stunning place to visit not to mention to study in

Many people will be drawn to the idea of studying in Brazil because of its postcard tropical beaches and party atmosphere, but the country has so much more to offer. Firstly, Brazil has some of the best universities not only in Latin America but also in the world. The top institutions have world-class staff, resources, and connections that allow students to thrive.

Outside of education, Brazil isn’t short of adventure. Bustling cities, unparalleled landscapes, and charming locals explain why the country is one of the most coveted travel destinations worldwide. The warmth of the people also makes social encounters easy, even if you can’t speak much Portuguese. 

Like the country itself, the range of programs available in Brazil is diverse. With one of the biggest economies in the world, there are plenty of opportunities for business students. Many programs involve environmental initiatives such as conservation in the Amazon rainforest. Brazil’s melting pot culture also makes for fascinating cultural studies and social sciences courses. 

Top Universities: Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Main Benefits: World-class academics, Portuguese in Latin America, Access to the Amazon  

Recommended Majors: Portuguese, Business, Tropical Ecology, Africana Studies

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: US $7,200

Panama

the panama city skyline is world class, and so is the education

The meeting point of Central and South America as well as the Pacific and the Caribbean, Panama is a diverse country that serves up memorable experiences for every type of student. Panama City, home to most of the country’s top universities, is a cosmopolitan metropolis lined with skyscrapers that will feel familiar to many students hailing from other major cities from around the world.

The urban comforts of the capital are contrasted by former colonial settlements and indigenous village communities dotted across the rest of Panama, which provide a deeper insight into the country’s hybrid cultural influences.

Stunning landscapes and striking biodiversity are also key to the Panamanian identity. Visiting students can play an active role in preserving these by participating in the many sustainable initiatives established across the country. One further benefit of studying abroad in Panama is that its public university institutions are completely free—even for international students.

Top Universities: Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Universidad de Panamá, Universidad Metropolitana de Educación, Ciencia y Tecnología

Main Benefits: Short flight from the US, Unique geography, Access to Indigenous Groups

Recommended Majors: Tropical Ecology, Ornithology, Engineering, Marine Biology

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: US$ 6,000

Argentina

Students in Argentina have the added benefit of being able to travel to patagonia

Argentina has long enjoyed a reputation as being a great place to study abroad. Its trademark blend of South American style and European influences makes for an experience that is unique but also vaguely familiar for many travelers. 

This is nowhere more evident than in beguiling Buenos Aires, which boasts world-class architecture, cuisine, nightlife, as well as a large chunk of the country’s top educational institutions. After a few weeks in the capital, placement students are sure to have picked up some Spanish, made new friends, and perhaps learned to dance the tango. 

The best universities in Argentina are well-equipped with first-rate resources and global connections that visiting students can draw on to further their academic and professional development. In addition, there are no tuition fees for international students entering into public institutions. 

Top Universities: Universidad de Buenos Aires, Universidad Católica Argentina, Universidad de Belgrano

Main Benefits: Excellent education in a global city, Amazing food, Extensive entertainment, art and cultural opportunities 

Recommended Majors: Performing arts, Visual arts, Literature, Political Science 

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: $15,000

Ecuador

The cultural, biological, and geographic diversity of ecuador is without rival

Ecuador is often overlooked as a place to study abroad, but many travelers who have spent time in the country fall in love with its immense natural beauty and feel-at-home hospitality. The capital, Quito, has all the conveniences of a modern metropolis, but it is also brimming with history at every turn—the Old Town being one of the most iconic settings in Latin America. 

Guayaquil, Ecuador’s most popular city, is a coastal paradise and also acts as the gateway to the renowned Galápagos Islands. The Islands are the foremost symbol of Ecuador’s biodiversity, but in truth, it is found all over the country. This is why Ecuador offers some of the most exciting learning opportunities in biology and environmentalism around the world. Conservation and sustainable initiatives are likely to be a key part of any student’s time here. 

Ecuador boasts many first-rate universities where students can advance their academic and professional development. It’s also considered to be one of the best places to learn Spanish, owing to the palatable accent of its native speakers. Tuition-free public universities and very low living costs make Ecuador one of the best value-for-money places to study in.

Top Universities:  Universidad de las Américas, Universidad de San Francisco de Quito, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador

Main Benefits: Perpetual Spring-like weather, Incredible biological and cultural diversity, Access to the Andes Mountains, the Amazon basin, and the beaches of the Pacific 

Total Estimated Cost of Semester Program: US$ 12.300

Short-term and Virtual Study Abroad Programs

Of course, not everyone has the time and money for a semester-long program in one of these amazing destinations. If that is the case, consider a short-term study abroad program or a faculty-led program that will cost a fraction of a semester-long program, take one to two weeks, and still offer academic credit and a rich and meaningful experience. 

For students wishing to save even more time and money, a virtual faculty-led program might be even better.  Below are sample faculty-led and virtual programs from the five countries listed above: 

Sample Faculty-led Program in Colombia: The Business of Flowers

Sample Virtual Faculty-led Program in Brazil: Business in Brazil and Latin America

Sample Faculty-led Program in Panama: Sustainable Construction

Sample Faculty-led Program in Argentina: A Taste of Buenos Aires

Sample Faculty-led Program in Ecuador: Development and Conservation

Summary

studying abroad is about more than just the education, IT'S the whole experience. Crystal river, Colombia

Few areas of the world provide such rich and varied study experiences as Latin America. The countries in this list offer excellent learning opportunities and memorable cultural experiences, regardless of the length of the study abroad program. 

Crucially, though, many of the programs available in these countries have a positive impact on the natural environment and bring economic benefit to local communities. Participation in sustainable initiatives helps to boost students’ sense of social responsibility and plays a formative role in their personal and professional development. 

With that in mind, Colombia, Brazil, Panama, Argentina, and Ecuador were chosen as the best places to study abroad because they offer experiences that will change students’ lives for the better.

While all of these programs offer amazing opportunities for students, not everyone is able to take advantage because of the high costs. This is why Learn from Travel offers shorter, more intensive faculty-led programs that offer a great alternative to semester-long programs in Latin America. If you are a student or university professor interested in organizing a fully customizable faculty-led study abroad package, contact us here.

7 Tips to Help Students Pay for Study Abroad

by Lara Garanzuay, Communications Specialist

With the school year starting up for most higher education institutions, students are once again thinking about study abroad programs. If you were to ask any current student why they don’t take part in study abroad, most will say because the programs tend to come at a high cost. Only about 16% of all undergraduate students study abroad every year. However, most institutions offer hundreds and thousands of dollars in scholarships, it’s just a matter of learning about the opportunities and applying. Along with that, there are many study abroad programs that are deemed more affordable, including short-term faculty-led programs and virtual international education options. 

Here are some tips on making study abroad more affordable:

Apply financial aid to the cost of studying abroad

• Check if you qualify for financial aid at the Federal Office of Financial Aid

• Research your study abroad options early on to include the cost in the financial aid application for the year.

• Going on a faculty-led program as part of a course taken during the semester is a great option.

Apply for study abroad scholarships

• Check with your study abroad office about the amounts, the process, and deadlines for internal scholarships

• Explore external scholarships online, here are just some of the many opportunities

• Many Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs and other community organizations and foundations also offer scholarships for international study and travel. Ask your financial aid office and research online!

Opt for a shorter program

• Because faculty-led and other short-term programs involve only a limited time overseas, they usually have the advantage of being considerably less expensive.

• Take a look at our sample faculty-led programs to get a sense of what’s involved

Consider a virtual study abroad

• Virtual study abroad programs range in length, therefore, faculty can find the perfect fit for their students

• These programs cost a fraction of the cost of traditional study abroad, require much less time, and are more accessible for all

Check with the government of the country you want to study abroad in

• Many countries give financial support to international students studying abroad

• Some scholarships are country specific. CollegeScholarships.org is a great resource if you know which country you want to travel to. Here is a sample list of opportunities for Peru 

Browse the web!

• IIE Passport is a comprehensive search engine for all study abroad programs registered with the Institute for International Education.

• Scholarship Portal provides a comprehensive search system for scholarships available throughout Europe; you can search by region, country, and discipline.

Check with your department or college

• Most universities are aware of how the cost of studying abroad can be the number one reason why students don’t participate, therefore, they allocate certain money specifically for students in specific majors to study abroad

• Schedule a time to meet with your department chair or academic advisor about scholarships for study abroad

Don’t let money get in your way of studying abroad! When you have the funds secured, check out another blog of ours for a student’s perspective on choosing and planning a study abroad trip. 

Resources to Help Transition Back to Faculty-Led Study Abroad

by Lara Garanzuay, Communications Specialist

With about 157 million people in the United States being fully vaccinated, and the number steadily increasing, people are beginning to see the light of a post-COVID world. We have begun planning a few faculty-led study abroad trips later this year and the beginning of next year. While some destinations are safe to travel to again, others remain a challenge. For faculty and study abroad advisors once again developing travel programs, the resources listed below can be helpful when evaluating risk and selecting destinations:

Early morning in Antigua, Guatemala.

Resources for Planning a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program after COVID-19

1. Get the latest travel advisories for any country in the world from the CDC and the US Dept. of State.

   • Most of the countries in the world currently have a level 3 (reconsider travel) or level 4 (do not travel) advisory due to COVID-19. We expect this to change in the near future as vaccination rates increase.

   • El Salvador is the only country in Latin America that currently has a level 2 advisory (exercise increased caution).

2. For a view of the future, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluations is a great tool to see projections of COVID-19 around the world as well as specific regions and countries.

   • Global infections are projected to decrease significantly starting in August. We recommend delaying decisions about Spring 2022 programs until September or October if possible.

3. Read blogs and announcements on how universities and study abroad providers are ensuring safety and success to their participants.

   • Professor Michelle Groover, from Georgia Southern University, shared on her LinkedIn page 8 tips for professors leading a study abroad program. She originally shared this information and more on the blog, The Professor is Out.

As the world has navigated through the unknowns of 2020 and now 2021, the way we live our lives has drastically changed. Learn From Travel and our partners remain updated on regional hazards and trends through a trusted network of local contacts as well as the CDC, World Health Organization, and destination country governments. Utilizing multiple resources provides a balanced and varied perspective to provide our team and students an accurate picture of global safety status at any given time.

At Learn From Travel, we are hopeful that the future of all study abroad programs is bright. We continue to focus on the culturally immersive programs we offer students, faculty and staff, and partners. Our mission is to provide life changing experiences to students while contributing economically to host communities. Our operations are laser-focused on providing the highest quality service specifically for faculty-led programs, both virtual and travel-based.

If you are wanting to take students on their own cultural experience abroad, contact us or check out our website for more details on the programs we offer.

Planning a Faculty-led Study Abroad Program for the first time? Here is what to expect.

by Lara Garanzuay, Communications Specialist

Planning to take students abroad for the first time can be intimidating, especially after a pandemic. As the world becomes accustomed to the new “normal,” we can expect the study abroad industry to see some changes as well. We had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Sabith Khan, a Director and Assistant Professor at California Lutheran University and Adjunct Faculty at Virginia Tech. 

Sabith is currently planning his first study abroad program based in Oaxaca, Mexico with Learn from Travel. Virginia Tech students will gain first-hand experience with a case study for migration and unique culture, coupled with unforgettable natural and historical attractions, and authentic interaction with local students.

Planning His First Study Abroad Program

Through our conversation with Sabith, we got an insight into the preparation and the process of planning a program abroad. He shared tips, how he got started, how the pandemic has impacted his trip, and his thoughts on the future of study abroad. Check out this episode of our Industry Insights series below. Industry Insights offer the inside scoop on study abroad from those working directly in the industry. 

If you are wanting to take students on their own cultural experience abroad, contact us or check out our FLSA programs to learn more.

Ins and Outs of Studying Abroad in Jamaica

by Lara Garanzuay, Communications Specialist

June is National Caribbean-American Heritage Month! With that, Learn From Travel is planning a study abroad program in Jamaica where students will get the chance to experience the Jamaican culture and lifestyle. Jamaica is home to a little under 3 million people and offers its people and visitors a lush topography of mountains, rainforests, and reef-lined beaches. Jamaica is internationally prominent in sports and is famed as the birthplace of reggae music, and its capital Kingston is home to the Bob Marley Museum, dedicated to the famous singer.

Maroon drumming demonstration in Charles Town, Jamaica

What Can Your Students Do While Studying Abroad in Jamaica

Learn From Travel’s sample program allows students to visit three Maroon communities, each with a unique history and perspective on the colonial past and dynamic present of Jamaican culture. Students will visit important cultural and historical sites near Kingston and Montego Bay, as well as the Rastafari Indigenous Village. The program will paint a picture of the successful resistance to colonialism as well as modern-day resilience to challenges faced by the people of Jamaica.

Students will visit Port Royal, a peninsula community near Kingston. Port Royal, founded in 1518 by the Spanish, was once the largest city in the Caribbean. The infamous pirate Henry Morgan used it as his base. After a disastrous earthquake struck in 1692, the town’s commercial role declined in favor of nearby Kingston. Today, Port Royal is a heritage and historical site. Students will also tour Fort Charles, a fort that guards the entrance to Port Royal, built in 1655. They will also visit the cultural site, museum, and home to Marcus Garvey. He is a national hero in Jamaica for encouraging self-worth among the African Diaspora despite poverty and discrimination. 

The program also includes a visit to Moore Town, another Maroon community located in the John Crow Mountains of the Portland Parish. Upon arrival, they’ll meet with community leaders to discuss Moore Town’s unique history, including the 1740 Peace Treaty that was signed by the British and the Windward Maroons. Students will also get to hike Nanny Falls. This secluded waterfall is named after Nanny of the Maroons, an honored military leader of the First Maroon War of 1720-1739. Nanny is regarded as a National Hero and is the only woman to have received the title of “Right Excellent” from the Jamaican government. The falls are believed to have healing properties, and in the past were used by Maroon soldiers to prepare for battle. Lastly, students will get to explore Montego Bay. This will include a trip to the beach, the Cultural Center in Sam Sharpe Square, and the craft market.

Battle horn demonstration in Charles Town

What Free Time in Jamaica Can Look Like For Your Students

Jamaica is home to over 4.5 million tourists a year and over 900 U.S. university students who are studying abroad. In their free time, students can enjoy the oldest 9 hole golf course in the caribbean, tour the High Mountain coffee factory, visit Mrs. Stephenson's Garden or catch a glimpse of Jamaica's 25 endemic bird species all in the city of Manchester. Jamaica is also home to Carnival, a popular festival held usually in March. Outside of the ocean and beach life, students can take a safari on the Black River and view the Americanus Crocodillus, the cousin of the Nile crocodile. Students can also take a canopy tour and swing through the trees like Tarzan. Jamaica also offers a Negril sightseeing tour where students can visit local shops, walk on the white sand beaches and visit the popular Rick's Cafe. Other fun activities include:

• Dunn’s River Falls and Park: Located in Ocho Rios, students can take a guided climb of the waterfall, hike a trail alongside it or just recline and relax on the beach at the bottom. 

• Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park: The peak of the mountain rises to an altitude of 7,402 feet. The park is globally known for its biodiversity.

• Bob Marley Museum: Located in Kingston, this museum occupies the former home of Bob Marley. Inside, students will see personal artifacts, Marley's personal recording studio and his bedroom, among other highlights.

Traditional Dishes and Experiences of Jamaica

As for students studying abroad in Jamaica, they’ll be happy to know that there is an abundance of coffee! Coffee, especially from the gorgeous Blue Mountain area, where the beans are harvested high above sea level, is one of the country’s main exports.

The food and flavorings of Jamaica are a melding of many cultures, including African, French, and Spanish, making dishes, like Jamaican patties, and goat curry, an exploration into a diverse cuisine. In addition, jerk chicken, made with pimiento wood, Jamaican spices, and the obligatory Scotch Bonnet peppers, is the pride of Jamaican food. There is a special method for cooking meats that result in this flavor and a particular homemade sauce that is used in most instances for the incredible, spicy taste. Locals wash down this delicious fare with another well-known product of Jamaica: rum. 

The making of jerk chicken, Jamaica

Jamaica’s national dish is ackee and codfish, or ackee and saltfish as it is more popularly known. It is made with the ackee fruit which grows in abundance in Jamaica and has become an island staple served side by side with stewed salted codfish. The trick is knowing when the ackee fruit is ripe. It is ripe when the ackee pod typically bursts open, revealing a yellow fruit inside. The yellow part is the part you eat, and ackee can resemble scrambled eggs when cooked.

When it comes to visiting a new country, a must-do is always trying new and original dishes. The casual restaurant, Miss T’s Kitchen, gives diners a full sense of the pride locals have over their country and people. A trip to Jamaica is not complete until you’ve had jerk chicken, and the best place to get authentic jerk is at Scotchies. This is one of the places to get a taste of history to go along with your spicy meal. 

If you are wanting to take students on their own cultural experience abroad, request a proposal or check out some of the faculty-led sample programs we offer, including our Jamaican History and Culture program. 

Study Abroad Selection Process: A Student’s Perspective

by Lara Garanzuay, Communications Specialist

I grew up moving every few years within Mexico and the U.S. so I’ve learned to really appreciate new cities and environments. Growing up, I’ve always loved traveling, whether that was a short road trip or a plane ride across the ocean. This May I completed my second year studying Public Relations at the University of Texas at Austin. It’s a sort of bittersweet moment because I only have a year and a half left before graduation in December 2022. Since I was little, I knew I wanted to take part in a study abroad or exchange program. That was until 2020 when everything changed and traveling seemed like some type of myth. 

In the midst of a global pandemic, I began working here, at Learn From Travel, and have been able to learn more about the ins and outs of faculty-led study abroad programs. At my university, most programs aren’t announced until the semester before so it can become quite difficult to plan ahead when you want to study abroad. However, I have taken a few actions to get the ball rolling on the possibility of studying abroad before I graduate. 

The Study Abroad Selection Process

The idea of studying abroad came to mind at the end of my freshman year of college, however, I knew I wanted to wait until the latter part of my college years to study abroad. Therefore, I currently plan to study abroad from May-June of 2022 before I graduate that December. 

The first thing I researched was the different types of programs I have available to me. My university offers faculty-led, exchange, affiliated, internship, and research programs, all offered for semester-long or shorter-term periods. Although all of the different types of programs are interesting and beneficial in their own way, I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to do some sort of faculty-led program. The process became overwhelming quite quickly so I found myself making appointments with academic advisors and education abroad advisors that my school offered. The first thing I learned throughout this ongoing process was that it is better to start planning early rather than late. Finding a way to fit a study abroad program into regular college years takes time and preparation so I began as soon as I could. 

After countless hours of research, I decided I wanted to take part in a Maymester program. At UT Austin, these four-week faculty-led study abroad programs consist of three-credit courses that typically take place from mid-May to mid-June. Courses are offered annually in a variety of academic subjects. With my studies being in public relations, I began looking not only into courses that are required for my major but also courses that are focused on related topics and subjects. 

As of now, everything has fallen into place when it comes to the idea of me studying abroad next year. The only possible hardship that I can expect is financial setbacks. Like most things in college, study abroad can come with quite a price tag. However, with adequate preparation, planning, and dedication, it is likely to get assistance from organizations and funding sources that specifically work to help students reach their study abroad dreams. I was completely taken back by the number of scholarships and opportunities there are for students who want to study abroad. They are not only directly from my university but there are regional and national scholarships that students can apply to in order to make the study abroad experience less financially stressful. Judging from the stories I have heard from students who have studied abroad, I am certain that financial difficulties should not be a reason for a student to not have the opportunity to experience a culturally immersive program. 

Choosing a Place to Study Abroad

The hardest part so far has been choosing a location to study abroad. Even now, this is still very much up in the air for me. My school offers numerous programs all located in different countries, so the options can feel endless. After working at Learn From Travel and getting the chance to speak with students and faculty involved in study abroad, I have come to the conclusion that no matter what place I end up choosing, the experience and cultural immersion will be limitless. Every country has a unique experience to offer students. Many advisors I spoke to constantly reminded me to choose a program based on the benefits of the country along with the course, not just on the country itself. Overall, I would love to study in Latin America since I am fluent in both Spanish and English. It would be a great opportunity for me to continue practicing my Spanish-speaking skills in a more natural environment. 

Looking Forward to the Study Abroad Experience

For the past year that I have been planning my study abroad experience, I know that most of my decisions won’t be made until a few months before once my school announces the programs they are offering for that May. I am eager to find all the fun tourist attractions once I know the area where I will be studying. Although this process became stressful at times and had many unknowns, the faculty and peers around me made this process much easier for me. Getting to see the behind-the-scenes of study abroad programs through my work at Learn From Travel made me realize just how much time and effort is put into each and every program schools offer. By the time it is my time to study abroad, my knowledge will only have grown. Although much of my experience continues to be up in the air, I know whichever program I choose, the adventure and knowledge will be worthwhile.