It hardly feels real to be finally leaving..I first heard about this program as I was applying to UVM three years ago and it sounded perfect. Oaxaca, where my semester abroad will be based, is the most biologically and culturally diverse state in Mexico.
More than 16 different languages are spoken with the many indigenous groups that live there and hundreds of dialects within those. There is desert and coniferous forest in the central highlands, and tropical rain forest on the coastlines. It is place with strong ties to the land with thousand-year-old agricultural traditions of growing primarily maize, a staple to the native cuisine but also fundamental to their culture and community.
More details on this later as I will be studying Food Systems while I am there, which is also my minor. Environmental Studies is my major in case you forgot :)
It's been bittersweet leaving, saying goodbye to friends, especially those that are graduating, and leaving my life back in Burlington. If nothing else, it is moving away from my home for 5 months, which I can't say has been easy.
BUT I am also pumped for the time of my life....meeting people, making friends, my classmates, my classes, the food, and all that I am going to learn from my experiences off on my own.
Mexico, here I come :D
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| Oaxaca is located on the southern coast of Mexico, it is one of 31 states in the country. |
More than 16 different languages are spoken with the many indigenous groups that live there and hundreds of dialects within those. There is desert and coniferous forest in the central highlands, and tropical rain forest on the coastlines. It is place with strong ties to the land with thousand-year-old agricultural traditions of growing primarily maize, a staple to the native cuisine but also fundamental to their culture and community.
More details on this later as I will be studying Food Systems while I am there, which is also my minor. Environmental Studies is my major in case you forgot :)
 |
| My lovely suitemates that will be dearly missed |
It's been bittersweet leaving, saying goodbye to friends, especially those that are graduating, and leaving my life back in Burlington. If nothing else, it is moving away from my home for 5 months, which I can't say has been easy.
BUT I am also pumped for the time of my life....meeting people, making friends, my classmates, my classes, the food, and all that I am going to learn from my experiences off on my own.
Mexico, here I come :D
