Students sharpen skills on Peru study abroad

Eight University of North Georgia (UNG) students took part in a five-week study abroad to Peru this summer. They increased their language proficiency while also experiencing the country's culture in host homes and at a university in the city of Cusco.

Dr. Alvaro Torres-Calderon, associate department head of Modern Languages and associate professor of Spanish, led the program in Peru this summer.

"It's an experience that is priceless," Torres-Calderon said. "It creates more confidence with the language."

MayaFaith Moss-Brown took part in the educational trip thanks in part to a Phi Kappa Phi study abroad scholarship.

Moss-Brown, a junior from Madison, Georgia, pursuing a degree in criminal justice with a concentration in forensics and Peace Officer Standards and Training certification with minors in Spanish and sociology, was grateful for how the opportunity shaped her perspective.

"It was really enlightening for me to see how different age groups in another society see and feel about the world," she said. "This has really set me up to look at what I've been given in a whole new perspective. It opened my eyes to how big the world is around us. Sharing a little bit of compassion with each other can go a long way."

In addition to the educational aspects, the study abroad was deeply personal for Moss-Brown, who was adopted from Guatemala.

"It's always been important to me to understand my culture," Moss-Brown said. "A big part of that is being able to speak Spanish."

Marijane See, a junior from Gainesville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in Spanish, visual arts and environmental science, was part of the Peru group thanks in part to an Honors Program study abroad scholarship she secured. See will always be grateful for the experience.

"There's nothing that can compare to all the things we were able to do and learn," See said. "There's no better way to improve your language skills than to be in an environment where you're forced to use them."

The 2027 Peru study abroad is set for May 21-June 27, and applications are open.