I define syncretism as the combination of cultures, rituals, and/or traditions. When I think of syncretism in Ecuador, religion is usually the only thing that comes to mind. The combinations of Catholicism and indigenous tradition come together to create something unique and specific to la gente aquí. It’s interesting to think about this phenomenon, specifically […]

I personally define culture shock as the experience of a new culture different than you own, with what might be surprising customs, traditions, behaviors, etc. Culture shock can be hard for some people or exciting for others. Being in Ecuador, I haven’t actually experienced that much of culture shock. I have traveled in the past […]

Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativism I’ve always tried to stay on the side of cultural relativism, which I define as remembering the context and culture you’re in instead of immediately judging something. I view ethnocentrism as something that stems from racism or a type of nationalism, that your culture is the best and every other culture […]

There are roughly thirty-nine days until we leave for Ecuador. Thirty-nine! This is simultaneously enthralling as well as terrifying. It still doesn’t feel real. Alas, I must move past the point of denial and accept it. I chose Lewis & Clark for many reasons, but the overseas program was a definite factor. In my senior […]