Study Abroad
UF IN PERU: Archeological Field School
I participated in UF's study abroad program in Peru over the summer of 2022. This was an incredible opportunity for me to strengthen my practical skills within an archeological field school while also traveling and immersing myself in a different culture. I didn't speak the language and I was not sure what types of customs to familiarize myself with. I was incredibly nervous at the time because I didn't know what to expect when going abroad through a university organization. The field school was located in Huanchaco, which is a relatively small town on the Northern Coast of Peru, near Trujillo. The town is known as a surfing hot spot, and there is a longstanding tradition of fishing that I found fascinating.
This study abroad program was an incredibly unique and interesting experience because the educational focus of the program was on an ancient civilization that populated the region between 900 CE and 1470 CE, known to us as the Chimu. I helped excavate on two particular archeological sites, one being a mass child and camelid sacrificial site, and the other being a domestic setting. In the labs, we learned about the indicators of specific types of trauma on skeletal remains and tended to artifacts, remains, and samples that had been retrieved from excavation. I loved learning about the rich and complex history of the region. Excavating at these archeological sites felt like piecing together a puzzle of past stories and lives.
Although my class had taken field trips out to the museums and archeological complexes of Lambayeque and the Chicama Valley, we spent the majority of our time in Huanchaco. The time I spent in this small town was incredible. The traditional foods and drinks that I got to try were wonderful. The people that I interacted with were kind. I grew to love the town.
UF IN LONDON: Vampire & Empire
I participated in UF's study abroad program in London over the summer of 2023. This was such an exciting experience as it allowed me to explore all of the different historical sites, museums, and collections in London that I'd been hoping to see someday. I loved seeing all of the different pockets of cultures throughout London and was surprised to see such a large population of South Asian people. It was nice finding some of the traditional foods that I grew up with while I was in a foreign country. Despite being so far from home in the US and from my culture, there was a comforting sense of familiarity.
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In class, we studied the historical and cultural contexts that influenced the writing of Bram Stoker's Dracula. One of the most enlightening aspects of my tour was visiting locations that mirrored those described in "Dracula." Walking through the alleys of Whitechapel and standing before St. Paul's Cathedral transported me back to the dark and mysterious setting of the novel. These sights served as vivid reminders of the city's rich history and the backdrop against which Stoker crafted his tale of horror and suspense.
Moreover, immersing myself in London's cultural tapestry provided invaluable insights into the societal norms and anxieties of the Victorian era. From the opulent Victorian townhouses of Mayfair to the gritty docks of the East End, I witnessed the stark contrasts that characterized London society during Stoker's time. The rigid class structure, pervasive fear of the unknown, and fascination with the supernatural all found echoes in the pages of "Dracula."
Exploring landmarks such as the British Museum and the Tower of London offered a glimpse into the collective imagination of Victorian England, where fascination with folklore, superstition, and gothic literature thrived. These sites served as repositories of historical artifacts and legends, fueling Stoker's imagination and providing him with the rich tapestry of myths and folklore that permeate his novel.
One of the most notable things from this trip was the incredible feeling of walking through places and buildings that carry so much history and have been around for hundreds of years. In my free time in London, I liked trying different foods and going to shows. I got to see the British production of Hamilton on the West End, and I managed to see Cabaret!
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France and Scotland
While I was studying abroad in London, I took a couple of weekend trips to other parts of the United Kingdom. I got to visit Oxford and Windsor for day trips. I managed to spend a weekend in Glasgow, Scotland, and another in Edinburgh. Despite being part of the UK, the atmosphere and culture of Scotland felt so different and lively. Scottish history is not something that I've had the opportunity to learn much about through school, and I took this as a chance to absorb as much as I possibly could. One of the highlights of the time I spent in Scotland was going to a Ceilidh, also called a Highland Fling, which was a high-energy traditional dance. It was a night to remember!
After my study abroad program was over, I went on to venture through Paris for a week and saw even more wonderful and historical sites. Reflecting on these travels, I am reminded of the transformative power of exploration. Each destination offered me not only a glimpse into its unique culture but also a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. From the storied halls of Oxford to the lively streets of Glasgow, and the enchanting avenues of Paris, my journey was a symphony of discovery, leaving me forever enriched by the memories forged along the way.
