Dear Office of Study Abroad:

I loved our trip to the Afro-Ecuadorian regions of Ecuador. Our trip to Playa del Oro was particularly eye-opening. I have heard many people who have traveled to impoverished areas express varying forms of pity and sadness at the circumstances they saw. While I was sad in some ways to witness poverty and the affects of exploitation, I had an entirely different experience actually getting the chance to talk to the people.

Many of them were very concerned with preserving their culture and didn't desire help from organizations or people with different priorities and values. Others wanted roads and schools. The differences in opinion and the reasons behind these differences made me think about their struggles in ways I had not previously considered.

Additionally, I saw such joy in the close-knit communities and a celebration of life that was inspiring and completely different than the depression and sorrow I somehow expected. We played soccer with some kids from Playa del Oro one night. The town also threw a sort of town-dance for us, with musical performances and then a general time of dancing together. When we were leaving Playa del Oro, many people gathered near the river to see us off with singing and dancing.

The generosity and kindness of the people was overwhelming. I really saw a different perspective on wealth and happiness. It was such a beautifully fun experience, and I thought that the way they lived, valuing the resources they had and sharing with each other, was so personal and human. It really made me appreciate different ways of living and different values as not just valid, but as good and beautiful.

– Kristen Jones