Internship at Human Connections, Bucerias, Mexico

Before this study abroad program started, I was expecting to encounter an environment very similar to Colombia in terms of food, language and society' behavior. However, even if it is the same language I have notice that there is an abundance of differences that have taught me many lessons during two weeks. Not only I have learned about Mexican history including their geography, indigenous, main economic activities of the area, the impact of the Mexican Revolution, the Catholic and Spanish roots, among others. Moreover, we have different greetings, commonly used phrases, and ways to relate to people. Thus, I realized that here I am between my "two worlds" America and Colombia,  I was not expecting to feel in this middle area where I speak both language at the same time, while being surrounded with people from NIU, feeling American, but also experiencing factors closer to the place I call home. The way that I have felt this duality in an environment that was completely u...

Before I started my internship with Human Connections, I thought that all the words and sentences in their website made sense and that I had a complete understanding of their way to offer their service. Nevertheless, even if their values, vision and mission was clear to me, after meeting their potential new partner Segis, I realized that I was not understanding the meaning behind this organization' name at all! Human connections, yes, connecting people from different nationalities with the locals in a responsible way, but yesterday I understood that is much more than that. Is connecting cultures, feelings, aspirations, passions, and dreams, is finding infinite forms of wisdom and success, and realizing that there is always ways to relate with others despite the differences. When Elly told us about Segis, HC potential new partner, she said that he started his own restaurant and had some new ideas to attract HC clients and create a new tour; nevertheless she did not say that S...

Buenos dias! I am about to start my fifth day in with Human Connections. We have engaged in so many interesting things already, that have already re shaped my perspective, that just make me feel grateful for being here. In this way, I am looking forward to learn about the structure and functioning of non profits in a developing world. Also, to grow spiritually by appreciating simple things and strengthening my personal faith. Moreover, I am excited to see how does the final project with our new partner Segis turns out and how this experience is going to get me closer with the HC staff and the others traveling with me! Furthermore, my goals also include gaining skills such as teamwork, communication of ideas and creativity. Finally, I believe that this experience in going to challenge me in many ways. First, structuring and sharing ideas in two languages at the same time, traveling with people I did not know before, not playing golf and working out every single day, and managing...

Hola! My third day in Mexico is coming to an end, and I cannot believe than within 72 hours my perspective of things has already been shaken in strongly positive ways. I am not sure if the reason behind this amazing transition is the beautiful sunsets, the welcoming Mexican community here in Bucerias, or the awesome team of Human Connections (HC), but I can definitively say that every minute of it has been fulfilling me personally and professionally. On our first day I got to meet some of the HC' staff, go around of housing area and eat delicious tacos! Even though I truly thought that this country was going to be exactly like where I am from, Colombia, I can tell that they are differences and that I still have so much to learn about the Mexican culture. This has made everything more meaningful since although my educational background has been very open minded and global, I am realizing that there is uniqueness within every place and every culture, and that it cannot be complete...