I chose this program because it combined my passions of running, service work, Spanish, and travel. The trip was a perfect combination of these things and stretched my skills through each of them. It was also a great way to get out of my Massachusetts bubble, explore a new place, and meet some great new people!
Alumni Spotlight: Emily Marquis
Emily Marquis is currently a freshman at Williams College. She participated in STRIVE Peru in summer 2017.
Why did you choose this program?
What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The STRIVE team was very helpful in helping me to plan and prepare for my trip. With a complete packing list and description of what to expect, I went into the trip feeling confident and excited about what was to come. They were super available to answer any questions I came up with during the application and preparation process.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I would advise you to thoroughly explore the website of STRIVE and reach out to one of the leaders or previous participants with any questions you have so that you are sure that it will be right for you. If you are at all considering whether to participate, I STRONGLY encourage you to do so. You will gain so much more than you can predict going into it.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
In Peru, every day was different as we ran through the mountains, tutored English for the local children, shopped in Cusco, played games at our hostel, tried new foods (like guinea pig!), worked at conservations or animal sanctuaries, and made new Peruvian friends.
I also participated in the Spanish immersion week before the main part of the trip, during which I took daily Spanish classes, explored the small mountain town, and lived with a host family. The last few days of the trip (the trek to Machu Picchu) were breathtaking and a great way to wrap up the experience.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear was the fact that the experience of traveling to a foreign country without my family would be overwhelming or scary. I was also worried that my running level would not be on par with other people's and that I could be left behind. In reality, the program does such a great job of making sure that everyone feels comfortable and accommodated for and the range of runners meant I always had someone to join me.
What surprised you about your experience in Peru?
What was most surprising and beneficial in my experience was the ways that we got to connect with the people whose home we were visiting during the different parts of our trip. I was worried that the program would isolate us from the actual people and culture of Peru, but in actuality we were able to interact with it in a way that was thoughtful and significant.