Brianna Jensen

Brianna Jensen is an ambassador that studied abroad in Guatemala.

Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.

I began taking Salsa dancing lessons with a Guatemalan friend, and we danced in a showcase exhibition in a local dance club. I was the only American girl to dance in the exhibition, and it was one of the most unique experiences of my life.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated?

I have a Spanish Minor, and there were so many aspects about the Guatemala program that drew me in. Mainly the one-on-one Spanish classes during the program, the volunteer aspect, and the host family experience.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

Simply put:
I became fluent in Spanish and fell in love with the culture.
I taught English to 80 kids ages 11-15.
I danced Salsa with a Guatemalan friend in an exhibition.
I learned more about myself and my country than I have in any other life experience.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

I can honestly say that I feel like I belong in Guatemala. I feel that through my experiences abroad, I somehow became part-Guatemalan and cannot wait to go back. I absolutely fell in love with the Latin culture and everything about it, and have found my future desired job (Spanish translator) because of my experiences in Guatemala.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

Make friends with the people who live in the country. It will teach you SO much about America and really make you assess your life and what's important to you. Completely surround yourself in the culture. It will be an experience that will change you forever.