As travel has opened up again post-pandemic, so has the Global Exchange Program at Bryn Mawr. With trips to the Czech-Republic, Turkey, England, Guatemala, and South Africa, students are encouraged to seize this opportunity to explore a new country and truly engage with the culture through living with a host family. Sophomores Kelsey Chang and Laila Gheis just completed their trip to Guatemala during spring break after hosting their exchange students this past fall. They spent time in Antigua, a beautiful city in southern Guatemala surrounded by volcanoes, and shadowed their exchange students at Antigua International School. 

What was your favorite moment?

Kelsey: “Hiking an active volcano! It was just a really sweet moment and every so often we would stop and our guide would give us info about the volcano in Spanish which was cool bc then we could practice our language skills. I felt accomplished when I got to the top because it was so beautiful.”

Laila: “My favorite moment was when we went to a beach on the west coast of Guatemala. We stayed in an RV with friends from school. It had a beautiful pool. It was so nice to hang out with the friends we made from school and our exchange students to really get engaged with the culture there. Watching the sunset was so beautiful, and seeing all the stars. The Guatemalan food was also delicious.” 

What was something you from your trip you will be bringing back to your life here?

Kelsey: “I learned that I can make friends or relationships in so many different ways. Finding commonalities with people who you wouldn't expect was something that surprised me in a good way.” 

Laila: “The way of living for sure. People have such different priorities in Guatemala then in the US. The more chill lifestyle is still great and so relaxing. I liked feeling so in the moment and feeling carefree. It made me realize that my issues aren't as big as I make them.” 

What was your favorite food?

Kelsey: “The fresh fruit! The coconuts, mangos, all of it was so fresh and good! It was [really] cool to get food from the mercados (markets), and see the wide variety of food offered there.”

Laila: “So much! But in particular, a Mayan dish that's a stew of carrots, potatoes and chicken over cooked rice. It was delicious!” 

Would you recommend an exchange to other students? Why?

Kelsey: “Exchange programs are an amazing opportunity to see new places but also to fully experience culture outside of a touristic view. You really get to see the way of living there. Even if you are being thrown in the deep end, you learn so much and it's so refreshing. It also opens your perspective on the world.” 

Laila: “Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and going headfirst into new experiences can be very scary but there is so much value in that and you learn so much about yourself, others, and the world. It's such a unique experience and I valued it so much. It was cool to see that there is so much more out there than just the US. Also the life long friendships!”