DeMaayer, Caroline

Caroline DeMaayer

 

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I have always wanted to study abroad in Latin America, and I felt like Ecuador would provide me with a unique and enriching opportunity. I was born in Costa Rica and my dad is from Curacao, a small island off the coast of Venezuela, so I have always had a connection to Latin culture. However, I stopped practicing Spanish when I moved from Costa Rica at four years old, and since then, I have felt like my lack of fluency disconnected me from my family and my culture. Therefore, I wanted to go to Latin America so that I could practice my Spanish and build that connection with my family. I chose Ecuador specifically because it was one of the few Latin American countries offered by the UNC study abroad program that was dominated by more indigenous influence than European, and I wanted to experience something different than what I grew up in in the United States. I love my country, but I felt like growing up under the influence of a western, imperialistic state cut me off from the wealth of knowledge offered by indigenous communities throughout the Americas. While I could travel to Europe and other Latin American countries in the future and experience the culture, I felt like the only way I could truly learn from indigenous culture in Ecuador was by being immersed in it.

 

What did you learn about yourself?
I think the biggest thing that I learned about myself through this experience was insight into what makes me feel fulfilled and happy. I feel that in the United States, there is a strong individualistic culture that glorifies the “grind” and hard work. However, in much of Latin America, relationships and experiences are typically prioritized over material success. While I still prioritized my grades and intellectual pursuits during my study abroad, I also took time to dance, to travel, to create relationships, and to simply relax. As a chronic perfectionist for most of my life, it was extremely liberating to do things simply because I wanted to, not because I felt like I needed to. Ultimately, my time in Ecuador helped me to shift my focus in life from achieving, to loving and living. 

 

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories from my program in Ecuador was visiting the Amazonian indigenous community of the Waorani. At the beginning of the semester, I had the privilege to visit this indigenous community with other international students, as well as Waorani students studying at USFQ. Not only was meeting the tribe members and learning about their way of life an incredibly unique and enriching experience, it was also just a great time. The highlight of my trip was probably playing in the river for hours with Waorani children and other students; I felt so at peace and loved by not only the people, but the physical environment that we were welcomed into. The indigenous people of the Amazon believe in a holistic relationship between people and nature, and being a part of that, only for a few days, was an experience I will never forget.

 

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
One thing I highly recommend when studying abroad is to be as outgoing as possible when you first arrive in your country of study. I understand that this can be difficult for more introverted students, but meeting a lot of people right away allows you to find the people you connect with and want to spend the semester with, while also providing opportunities to go on a lot of trips and experience new things. I feel like a lot of people think that you need to have a strong emotional connection with everyone you befriend abroad, but thinking that way may close you off to a lot of opportunities and fun experiences. What really worked for me was maintaining my close friendships and familial ties back home so that I had my emotional support system when I needed it, but then not being too attached to home that I wasn’t able to build a community abroad. You don’t need to find the “perfect people” to make lifelong memories with, just look for those you enjoy spending time with and are as open to learning and growing as you are. We are all new, we are all a bit nervous, and we all would love to have a friend to experience this journey with. 

 

How do you identify?
Scholarship Recipient, $5,000 Summer Study Abroad Fellowship Recipient

Memories