Student Voices

Amber Callender, '10

Major: Spanish
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Green Bay, Wis.

From January to June 2009, Carthage senior Amber Callender was in Guatemala, studying at La Universidad de Mariano Gálvez, living on her own, dining with Guatemalan families, and having the experience of a lifetime.

"I wanted to experience a completely different culture," says Amber, from Green Bay, Wis. "I also wanted to go back to Guatemala and get to know the people better because I had visited for three weeks the year before on a J-Term trip. ... I knew I wanted to see the people I had met the previous year, and an opportunity arose to teach in the community in which they live."

As a Spanish major, Amber was required to study abroad for at least a semester. "I noticed when I arrived in the country, I was still thinking in English, then speaking in Spanish for about three weeks," she says. "After three weeks, I was fluidly thinking, speaking and communicating in Spanish. It was a crazy experience."

Most memorable experiences while abroad: "Spending time with the children, whether it was in the classroom teaching or on the field playing soccer. ... I enjoyed teaching chemistry the most. I was able to use my Spanish, improve my Spanish and communicate with the kids in a way where they were learning something that was interesting to them and that was going to be beneficial to their future."

Biggest challenges: "Integrating myself into family life because I chose to live on my own," Amber says. "They respected that, so they didn’t invite me to things. I had to take the first step and invite myself to spend time with families, which was hard for me to do, but when they saw that I wanted to spend time with them, they included me as one of their own."

Biggest surprises: "The kindness and openness of the Guatemalan people overall."

What she learned: "I would say that I am a better person, in that I understand myself and others more completely since I went abroad," she says. "I heard someone say something very wise once: 'You’re going to miss every experience you’re not experiencing at the time, so experience something.' It was an awesome experience. There were plenty of challenges, and at times, I didn’t want to be there, but I’m glad I did it."

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Student Voices

William Viarnes, '10

William started planning his semester abroad a semester in advance. Read more.

Amber Callender, '10

Amber spent six months teaching in Guatemala. Read more.

Jean Louise Brody, '12

Her advice: "Go for it! Get yourself out there and experience the world." Read more.

Karin Stefans, '11

"I traveled almost every weekend, and I got to see so many different places. Ireland is a breathtaking country." Read more.

J-Term at Carthage

Not ready to spend a full semester abroad? J-Term study tours provide a wonderful introduction to international education. Read more.