Ecuador: Klara Stelzer (Final Reflections)

Final Reflections

This program allowed me to experience cultural and geographical diversity within Ecuador. We were based in Quito, where we stayed with host families. Throughout the program, we spent two weeks in the Amazon Rainforest, a month in the Galapagos Islands, a weekend in the paramo, and a month working with organizations focused on research and conservation. One aspect I am grateful for is that we stayed with two different host families in various parts of the country (the Galapagos Islands and Quito). Both families welcomed me with open arms and introduced me to another lifestyle while greatly improving my Spanish. I also learned how to cook traditional meals with both families. Locro, a potato soup, was my favorite food I learned to cook in Quito, and I loved making (and eating) Patacónes with my Galapagos host family. I look forward to cooking some of these meals once I return to Madison.

One of my favorite parts of the program was the people I met, including local researchers, students at the university, coffee shop workers, guides in the Amazon Rainforest, and many more. I believe talking with locals is the best way to learn about another culture. I have made friends at the beginning of the program that I still talk to and will continue talking to once the program is over. A takeaway from this program is the importance of forming new relationships.

Klara Stelzer

Major: Genetics and Genomics, Botany

Hometown: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Program: Ceiba Tropical Conservation Semester: Galapagos, Andes and Amazon