By Abigail Pollock | Echo
Gretchen Nussbaum and Emily Cho are two exercise science majors studying in Ecuador.
Echo: How does the Ecuador program relate to your major?
Emily: We are actually the first exercise science group to study here. We take classes towards our major and language requirement through the university and Verbo Church, and we just started our practicum, which consists of nine Taylor students on a rotation.
Gretchen: For example, this week I have been in the physical therapy component, and the other students are doing surgery, nursing, being in a regular doctor's office and stuff like that. We also get to experience what it's like to be in an emergency room at some point. The fact that the hospitals/clinics here have less regulations than in the U.S. means we get to be more hands-on with the patients, which is awesome.
What are some cultural differences you've experienced?
E: For our living situation, we've all been placed with different host families. We've realized that being a college student here versus in the U.S., we've lost some of our independence. Since we live with families, we can't just go hang out with our friends whenever we want or go get a Polar Pop at midnight.
My parents are a lot older than my parents in the U.S., so I kind of see them as my grandparents. I've found myself in some arguments that have been frustrating because there is that Spanish language barrier, so sometimes it's hard to fully express yourself in a different language.
G: Something I've grown to realize with my host family is that time is important to Ecuadorians, but people are even more important. For example, my siblings need to be put to bed every night around 8 o'clock or so. Normally I don't eat dinner till around 7:45 or later, so it cuts close to their bed time. If I'm having a good conversation with my parents and 8:30, then 9, then 9:30 rolls around, they won't pause to go and put their kids to bed, they'll just give me all their attention and time. It's an "I have time for you" society and I've really grown to enjoy and appreciate that.
What social or political issues in Ecuador have you experienced firsthand?
E: In many areas, Ecuador, as a developing nation, looks up to the United States. So with Obamacare taking place in the U.S., it seems like Ecuador has taken a similar route with their medical system. Some people agree with the changes and some people don't. A problem here with Ecuador taking a more "Obamacare" route is that there are a lot of sick and injured people that need help, and with that, the hospitals fill up fast. So the doctors may or may not be doing as good of a job with their patients because there are so many that need medical attention.
How has this semester shaped or changed your perspective?
G: I think my perspective has changed the most in terms of my faith. I knew this experience would be hard, I knew I'd need him every step of the way, but I don't think I really had any idea how that would play out. The very first weekend here, I found myself in constant conversation with him just to get through the daily challenges.
A constant prayer of mine this trip has been that I would be humbled. Funny, when I had that prayer in mind, I didn't picture myself being humiliated from time to time with the language barrier or in other things. But I've really found myself learning to extend this thing we call "grace" to my own self and learning self-forgiveness and the importance of letting your mistakes go.
I've also really learned that I can do hard things. I think this semester has easily been the most challenging period of my life, but also the most rewarding.
E: This is my first time being outside of the U.S. I am realizing how big the world is and how different countries are, and now I'm just curious. I want to go visit as many countries as I can to see how the culture, food, people, language, everything is different. There's just so much out there that God has created and I want to see it all. I never thought I'd be one for traveling until this trip.
What do you wish the Taylor community knew about Ecuador?
G: There are a lot of things about Ecuador that I wish I could take back home with me to show folks at Taylor. Before coming to Ecuador, I don't think I had a CLUE what kind of beauty was here. I mean, I live in the mountains. I live three hours away from the ocean. The Amazon rainforest is at my fingertips.
E: I would love for Taylor to know about the fruit of Ecuador! There are so many kinds of fruits here that we don't have in the U.S., and it's so fresh and cheap: and I really wish I could just bring some back for everyone. Another thing is how much people love to dance here! We are actually taking a latin dance class (salsa, merengue, chola cuencana, etc.) and it's fun to learn the steps and dance to the rhythm.
How do you feel your study abroad experience will influence you after you return to Taylor?
E: Helping out around the house has been something that is highly emphasized here, and now I have a new appreciation for it. I think being more considerate of others is another thing I've learned especially when it comes to respect.
I am a little nervous about the return back to Taylor, and I think that we will all go through cultural shock. I think trying to live back on a campus will be different and also the food will be hard to adjust to, but other than that, we will have to see!
G: This experience has taught me what it means to give people the time of day. Asking "How are you?" with the real desire to know and to listen. Instead of constantly being plugged into my phone, I think I'll be more plugged into real life relationships. It's also given me a new appreciation for just being. Every Sunday I go to my grandparents' house: We eat and then we literally sit and maybe talk, maybe just relax for the rest of the time. It's been tough to learn to just sit and be, but it's been so refreshing as well.
This semester I've learned a lot about myself and a lot about God's faithfulness. This has been an incredible experience and has certainly not been all that easy, but has been rewarding all the same.
