Self-Awareness (SA) ~ Levels 3-4
Knowledge & Understanding (K&U) ~ Levels 3-4
Communication (Comm) ~ Levels 3-4
In Spring 2018, I volunteered for 2 months in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala (AKA Xela) for an all girls orphanage. I was able to stay with a local family of 5 in their home where I was a part of the daily lives, attended Spanish lessons, and explored the country throughout my time there. My experience of living in a more conservative culture highlighted the freedom and free thinking that I have come to expect in my interactions with others (SA Level 3). When sitting with the family and their friends during discussions on homosexuality, I struggled equating my loving family’s comments opposing two people loving one another with the family that had lovingly opened their house and lives to an outsider like me (K&U Level 3). Their government leaders had not demonstrated such free thinking seen in the US which encourages conservative perspectives to be accepted as normal (K&U Level 4).
A comforting similarity I found with my host family was the value of friendship and many perspectives that highly valued community (SA Level 4). This common value made me feel connected to my adopted family for my stay in a foreign country even when my more liberal views did not coincide with their more conservative ones. I did not partake in most politic-related discussion because of my inability to accurately express my opinions in Spanish. The few times I did attempt to share I could not communicate in a clear manner that accurately conveyed my ideas (Comm Level 4). Over time I contributed less to these conversations, but listening to their views was still impactful.
Throughout this experience, my language skills caused many topeople talk slower and simpler to me which was much appreciated, but when travelling, many people I encountered would immediately attempt to speak to me in English because of my complexion without attempting in Spanish first (Comm Level 3). This was appreciated at times, but I was also in Guatemala to improve my Spanish and I could not improve if I was not given the chance to practice and overcome my mental obstacles. When traveling the country I met many travelers and Guatemalan citizens who were fluent in English as their second or third language. English is gaining popularity in Guatemala as they shift their economy to one that supports tourism to a point where it is being taught in the majority of schools. English is the language that is considered one of the languages of business and also the language of travel. In Guatemala's case, learning English allows them to participate in a greater global market as well as accomplish the goal of attracting more tourists. The English language allows them to further develop their cities, services, and attractions since many countries teach English for business and for travel. English was the language that could appeal to the largest community possible of native and non-native speakers travelling for pleasure or for business (Comm Level 4). I hope to return soon to see how the country develops into one that attracts people to its beautiful landscape and welcoming people.
Guatemala Summary Page
My blog holds more personal experiences about the many people that helped shape my experience into a positive one!
Personal Guatemala Blog
Knowledge & Understanding (K&U) ~ Levels 3-4
Communication (Comm) ~ Levels 3-4
In Spring 2018, I volunteered for 2 months in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala (AKA Xela) for an all girls orphanage. I was able to stay with a local family of 5 in their home where I was a part of the daily lives, attended Spanish lessons, and explored the country throughout my time there. My experience of living in a more conservative culture highlighted the freedom and free thinking that I have come to expect in my interactions with others (SA Level 3). When sitting with the family and their friends during discussions on homosexuality, I struggled equating my loving family’s comments opposing two people loving one another with the family that had lovingly opened their house and lives to an outsider like me (K&U Level 3). Their government leaders had not demonstrated such free thinking seen in the US which encourages conservative perspectives to be accepted as normal (K&U Level 4).
A comforting similarity I found with my host family was the value of friendship and many perspectives that highly valued community (SA Level 4). This common value made me feel connected to my adopted family for my stay in a foreign country even when my more liberal views did not coincide with their more conservative ones. I did not partake in most politic-related discussion because of my inability to accurately express my opinions in Spanish. The few times I did attempt to share I could not communicate in a clear manner that accurately conveyed my ideas (Comm Level 4). Over time I contributed less to these conversations, but listening to their views was still impactful.
Throughout this experience, my language skills caused many topeople talk slower and simpler to me which was much appreciated, but when travelling, many people I encountered would immediately attempt to speak to me in English because of my complexion without attempting in Spanish first (Comm Level 3). This was appreciated at times, but I was also in Guatemala to improve my Spanish and I could not improve if I was not given the chance to practice and overcome my mental obstacles. When traveling the country I met many travelers and Guatemalan citizens who were fluent in English as their second or third language. English is gaining popularity in Guatemala as they shift their economy to one that supports tourism to a point where it is being taught in the majority of schools. English is the language that is considered one of the languages of business and also the language of travel. In Guatemala's case, learning English allows them to participate in a greater global market as well as accomplish the goal of attracting more tourists. The English language allows them to further develop their cities, services, and attractions since many countries teach English for business and for travel. English was the language that could appeal to the largest community possible of native and non-native speakers travelling for pleasure or for business (Comm Level 4). I hope to return soon to see how the country develops into one that attracts people to its beautiful landscape and welcoming people.
Guatemala Summary Page
My blog holds more personal experiences about the many people that helped shape my experience into a positive one!
Personal Guatemala Blog