One word in Peru
By Safina E.
Published Jan. 22, 2026
Allianllanchu, one word that means hello, but also means a thousand when you only know one. Arriving in Cusco, Peru, I quickly learned that I would not only be dealing with the high altitude, but also the language barrier between the locals and myself. Simple tasks of ordering a taxi or asking how much an…
Transportation in Madrid
By Lexi M.
Published Jan. 22, 2026
Before coming to Spain, I had heard a lot from people about how public transportation is a lot better here, and that was one of the biggest differences that they had said. After being here for about a week, I can see why they mentioned it so much. Madrid has an extensive system of buses…
Friends in all forms: People, animals and community in Peru
By Makayla G.
Published Jan. 21, 2026
Before going on my health science internship in Cusco, Peru, I questioned how well I would be able to communicate with those around me. After my time there, I realized that friendships are more than just words. On my very first day at my internship site, a residential facility for individuals with disabilities and the…
The importance of friendship in unfamiliar places
By Isabella S.
Published Jan. 21, 2026
Trulaske study abroad has been a life changing experience for me. The countries we have traveled to have taught me so much and the people who were alongside me taught me so much as well. The most important part of my study abroad experience though has been the friendships I have built throughout my time…
Home is where your friends are!
By Ella M.
Published Jan. 21, 2026
Before Peru, I thought the program would be about the places I saw. The views, the hikes, the food, the pictures and all of it was amazing. What I didn’t expect was how special the people would be. Going into it, most of us didn’t really know each other. We were just a group thrown…
Winter in Costa Rica
By Faith V.
Published Jan. 21, 2026
Wow! Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. The flora, the fauna, are vibrant with rich colors and the people here exude that vibrancy as well. I’ve made so many friends abroad and I have met people that are very important to me and have changed my life even.…
Cuisine in Costa Rica
By Abigail R.
Published Jan. 21, 2026
A small country with a broad palate — Costa Rica has a diverse variety of food, fit to everyone's taste. While staying in San Jose, I ate Japanese, Italian, Mexican, American, and of course, traditional Costa Rican food. Driving through the main roads, signs promoting all types of cuisine whiz overhead. From Korean to South…
Two weeks in Peru
By Hannah C.
Published Jan. 21, 2026
I was recently lucky enough to spend two weeks in Cusco, Peru, on a Global Health Service Internship program. I went to a job site (nursing home) every morning for four hours. It was such a special experience to get to know and build relationships with the residents. These interactions were so impactful and will…
Connecting through Quechua
By Samantha S.
Published Jan. 19, 2026
When I first arrived in Cusco, Peru, I was unaware that so many people spoke a second language: Quechua. I assumed Spanish would be the only language I’d hear, but I quickly learned I was wrong. Because Cusco was once the capital of the Inca Empire, many people, preserving their heritage, proudly speak Quechua today,…
Cooking in Cape Town
By Georgia K.
Published Jan. 19, 2026
Our few weeks in South Africa were filled with beautiful beaches and landscapes, insightful museums, and life-changing experiences, discovering the history and culture of Cape Town. Out of the many excursions and field trips we went on, one of my personal favorites was the Bo-Kaap cooking class where we made traditional Cape Malay food. Bo-Kaap…