Emma Lepore, Ecuador

“The spring before my senior year of college I learned that I had taken enough credits to graduate a semester early. I decided to look for experiences abroad and found an experience in Quito, Ecuador sponsored by Performing Arts Abroad. I spent two months in Quito, Ecuador volunteering at a school for people with mental disabilities. It was an excellent opportunity to gain experience teaching dance and also learning about a different culture. PAA arranged my accommodations and project. I never felt alone throughout my experience and I am grateful for all the support I received both from in country directors and directors in the United States. The Ecuadorians are very kind and curious, which makes for great conversations. I took Spanish in high school as well as in college and have been able to form sentences for a long time. After two months in Ecuador I have never felt so comfortable conversing in the language. I made friends at dance classes, my project and church from all over the world (Ecuador, England, Germany, Switzerland, the USA). Before departing, I had some expectations for my experience in Ecuador. I did not expect to have been this inspired by the people, and to have friends from all over the world. One expectation I had was to have a better sense of where I am going and who I want to become. After my two month experience, I have new goals for my future.”