Ecuador: Breanna McGrane

Program: UW Education, Diversity and Community in the Galapagos Islands, Summer

Major: Elementary Education

How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?

My program academics were different from taking classes at UW–Madison because learning extended far beyond the classroom. While our coursework and readings provided important background, many of the most meaningful lessons came from applying those ideas in everyday life. Living with a host family, participating in cultural activities, visiting communities like Salasaka, and navigating daily life in Spanish allowed me to connect what I was learning in class to real-world experiences.

The program also encouraged reflection in a way that many of my classes at UW–Madison do not. Rather than simply memorizing information, I was asked to think critically about my own assumptions, cultural perspectives, and personal growth. The readings became much more meaningful because I could connect them directly to experiences I was having throughout the program. At UW–Madison, much of my learning takes place through lectures, discussions, and assignments. In Ecuador, learning happened through experience, observation, and participation. Combining academic study with cultural immersion gave me a deeper understanding of language, education, and Ecuadorian culture than I could have gained in a traditional classroom alone.

What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?

My experience in Ecuador taught me that meaningful connections are not built through perfect communication, but through curiosity, humility, and a willingness to participate. Before studying abroad, I believed that speaking a language fluently was the key to belonging. I quickly realized that while language is important, it is the effort to connect with others that truly matters. Living with my host family, interacting with local communities, and navigating everyday life in Spanish challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. I learned to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process and discovered that people are often more interested in genuine effort than perfection. Those experiences helped me become more confident, adaptable, and open-minded.

My time in Ecuador also deepened my appreciation for the connection between language and culture. I came to understand that language carries history, identity, and tradition, making it much more than a tool for communication. This experience changed the way I see the world and reminded me that learning from others begins with listening, respecting different perspectives, and being willing to grow. These are lessons I will carry with me throughout my personal, academic, and professional life.

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

My most memorable experience from my study abroad program was living with my host family in Ecuador. Before arriving, I was nervous that my limited Spanish would make it difficult to connect with them or truly feel like I belonged. Instead, they welcomed me into their home from the very first day with kindness, patience, and generosity. We shared meals together every evening, laughed through language mistakes, and slowly built relationships that went far beyond words.

One of the moments that stands out the most was writing my goodbye letter to my host family in Spanish before returning home. While my grammar was far from perfect, I realized that expressing my gratitude in their language meant more than speaking perfectly ever could. It showed me that language is about connection, respect, and a willingness to learn from others. By the end of my program, saying goodbye felt like leaving family rather than ending a study abroad experience. Living with my host family taught me that meaningful relationships are built through openness, participation, and shared experiences. That lesson is one I will carry with me long after returning home.

How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?

As a U.S. college student and a beginner Spanish speaker, I was initially nervous about living with a host family and communicating in a language I was still learning. I worried that making mistakes would prevent me from building meaningful relationships. Instead, those challenges became some of the most rewarding parts of my experience. Learning to communicate despite my imperfections helped me become more confident, patient, and willing to step outside my comfort zone.

As an education student, studying abroad also changed the way I think about learning. Experiencing another culture firsthand reminded me that some of the most valuable lessons happen outside of a classroom. It strengthened my belief that language, culture, and relationships all play an important role in education. My advice to students with similar experiences is not to let fear of making mistakes hold you back. You do not need to speak a language perfectly to build meaningful connections. Be willing to ask questions, embrace moments of discomfort, and participate in everyday life. The more open you are to learning from the people around you, the more rewarding your experience will be. Growth begins when you allow yourself to be a learner.

What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?

One of the biggest challenges I faced before studying abroad was the fear that my Spanish would not be good enough. I worried that I would struggle to communicate with my host family, make mistakes in everyday conversations, or miss out on meaningful experiences because of the language barrier. Leaving my family and familiar routines for an entirely new environment also felt overwhelming.

During my time in Ecuador, I realized that the best way to overcome those fears was to embrace being uncomfortable. Instead of avoiding situations where I had to speak Spanish, I challenged myself to use it every day—whether I was ordering food, asking for directions, shopping at local markets, or talking with my host family during dinner. I learned that making mistakes was not something to be embarrassed about; it was an essential part of learning. My host family and the people I met were patient, encouraging, and appreciated my willingness to try. By the end of the program, I had gained much more than stronger language skills. I developed confidence in my ability to adapt, communicate, and build relationships in unfamiliar situations. That experience taught me that some of the greatest growth happens when you move beyond your fears and allow yourself to learn through experience.

How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?

My study abroad experience will continue to shape both my education and my future career as a teacher. Living in Ecuador helped me develop greater confidence, adaptability, and cultural awareness while showing me the importance of building relationships across language and cultural differences. These are skills that will benefit me in any classroom and in any community I serve. As a future educator, I want to create a classroom where every student feels valued and supported, especially those who are learning English or come from different cultural backgrounds. Experiencing what it felt like to communicate in a language I was still learning gave me a greater appreciation for the challenges multilingual students face and the patience and encouragement they need to succeed. My host family and professors showed me how meaningful learning happens when people feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

Academically, this experience also reinforced my belief that some of the most valuable learning happens through real-world experiences and cultural engagement. I hope to bring that perspective into my teaching by creating opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with the world around them. My time in Ecuador not only strengthened my Spanish skills but also helped me become a more empathetic, reflective, and globally minded educator.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

My biggest piece of advice for someone considering this program is to say yes, even if you feel nervous. It is completely normal to worry about speaking another language, living with a host family, or adapting to a new culture. Those uncertainties can feel intimidating, but they are also what make the experience so rewarding. Go into the program with an open mind and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, ask questions, or try new things. Some of my most meaningful memories came from everyday moments, like sharing meals with my host family, practicing Spanish in daily conversations, and participating in local traditions. Those experiences taught me far more than I could have learned by staying within my comfort zone.

Finally, be present. Take time to appreciate the people, places, and opportunities around you. Build relationships, immerse yourself in the culture, and embrace every experience, even the challenging ones. You may leave with improved language skills, but more importantly, you will leave with greater confidence, a new perspective on the world, and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?

One tradition I hope to carry forward from Ecuador is the importance of sharing meals together. My host family made time to eat dinner together every evening, and those meals became one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. We talked about our days, laughed through my attempts at speaking Spanish, and learned from one another. Those conversations helped me feel welcomed and gave me opportunities to practice the language in a supportive environment.

This experience reminded me that sharing a meal is about much more than food—it is about building relationships and creating a sense of community. In the future, I hope to prioritize eating together with family and friends, even when life gets busy. As a future educator, I also want to create spaces where people feel welcomed, heard, and connected, just as my host family did for me in Ecuador. Their example showed me that small, everyday traditions can have a lasting impact.