Did you know that Oaxaca is the state in Mexico with the highest indigenous population? In fact, there are 16 officially recognized groups. However, the reality is there are so many subgroups, the “true” number is unknown, but their presence is undeniable. This grand diversity of cultures and people groups explains the more than 70 …
Tag Archives: Global Studies
Walking Among Alebrijes
Instantly my vision flooded with colors, from captivating reds to vibrant purples, and my nose filled with the scent of freshly carved wood. Just another day in the classroom. The copal trees provided some much-needed shade from the baking sun as we meandered through the workshop observing the artists in action. After all, it’s not …
A Day at the Dead Sea
This week I floated in the Dead Sea and visited Jesus’ baptism site.
Life on Mitla
Everyone’s familiar with the classic waking up to the crow of a rooster trope, but how many of you wake up to the sound of a mooing cow? I do! No, it’s not a real cow, but rather the song for the gas trucks here in Oaxaca that wake me up every morning with their …
Bienvenido a Granada!
In the week plus since I have arrived in Granada, I have done so many wonderful things, most of which were due to my amazing orientation program through IES.
My First Jordanian Wedding
On Our Way My ears are still thumping from last night when I had the privilege of attending my first Jordanian and Muslim wedding. After a week of orientation, I was picked up from the Grand Hyatt in Jabal, Amman, and swept to Sweileh, a neighborhood in northwestern Amman. At 4:30, I rode with my …
The one where the Earth trembles
“Sarah, Sarah!! Grab your chanclas and come downstairs!! Hurry!” Dee cried out to me as the world’s most horrid sound blared in the background. In a state of confusion, I rushed downstairs and out the door just as the ground began to shake, the telephone poles swaying and dogs howling in reaction. Oh how little I …
Many Miles to Mexico
“Wait a minute, you’re scared!” my friend proclaimed. “Correction, I’m absolutely terrified,” I laughed with a look of panic in my eye. This exchange happened no earlier than a week ago and while I have managed to calm myself down, my wariness remains. In T-24 hours I embark on my semester abroad in Oaxaca, Mexico …
Two Days ’til Takeoff
Hey guys, I’m Leah, and in just a few days, I will be writing to you from Amman, Jordan! I am going into my senior year here at Hope College and will be wrapping up my degree in Global Studies and Spanish. It has been a wild few years on campus, and I am so …
The Season of Cherry Blossoms
I was excited to be able to witness the cherry blossom season in South Korea. The cherry blossom season is typically between the end of March and the beginning of April. This year it came earlier than expected and did not last long due to the strong winds blowing the cherry blossoms away. During the …
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