Overseas program(s):
Ecuador Spring 2016
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Culture Post #3: Syncretism - This weekend travelling in Cañar, I noticed several examples of syncretism. We visited a Cañari woman who practices indigenous medicine, specifically limpas. The ritual lasts around ten to 20 minutes and is very elaborate. During the various treatments ranging from rubbing an egg over the person being cleansed to spitting herbal water on them, she […]
Culture Post #2: Ethnocentricity - The concept of ethnocentricity is inevitable. Everywhere, the backgrounds of individuals shape their ideas and opinions about every aspect of life. I think the first experience I had with ethnocentricity was when I was 11 years old and had just been given a Guinea Pig as a pet. Coincidently, I was doing a project in […]
Culture Post #1: Culture Shock - The classic definition of culture shock includes a series of four stages: honeymoon, anxiety, adjustment, and acceptance. There is not a set amount of time for the duration of each of these stages, nor a guarantee that everyone will go through each one. However, I can apply them to the experience I have had […]
Preparing for My Experience Abroad: Exercise in Ecuador - As January 10th approaches, I’m finding more and more things to be curious about! I am extremely excited about the experience I will be having in just few short months. However, I am a little nervous when I think about how much I still need to learn. I have accepted that most of my learning will […]