Despite spending only 10 days in Bolivia, I can confidently say that my first study abroad experience will forever be a core memory for me. Traveling without my family to a country I had little background knowledge about was daunting, but the scope of culture, experiences, and learning opportunities Bolivia had to offer made my trip unforgettable.

One thing that this trip has emphasized to me is that although you should be relaxing while traveling, you can never be too prepared. It is important to be proactive, do your research, and take care of yourself to fully enjoy your experience. For example, when I got sick, the electrolyte drops and medicine I packed helped me recover quickly. Also, I am vegetarian, and there are limited vegetarian options in many Bolivian restaurants. Finding nearby restaurants on Google Maps and looking at the menus of each ahead of time helped me get a good idea of where I can find food in my free time and which restaurants may not have as many options for me.

Something else I took away from traveling to Bolivia was that it’s okay to go into something new knowing nobody. Before traveling, I was nervous because I wasn’t familiar with anyone in my cohort, and I was scared that I would come off as awkward and out of place. Although there were pre-departure sessions that helped everyone get to know each other a little better, I could not make most of them due to a conflicting class. Many of my peers seemed to have established bonds with each other very early on, but in reality, everyone was open to chatting with new people and enjoying each other’s presence. With being around everyone so often and the potential to make so many unique memories, you are bound to become more comfortable and get to know each other even more. Towards the end of the 10-day period, people were encouraging me to come out with them and experience Bolivia together while we still could. However, I’ve also learned that it’s okay to take in the experiences by myself sometimes. Of course, I always stayed around the group for my safety, but I didn’t pressure myself to talk to others all the time to enjoy the trip. Whether I was eating food, taking pictures, or sitting on the bus in silence, I had lots of time to unwind and reflect on the rich culture of Bolivia, and I loved it.

I think the most impactful lesson I learned from this trip actually comes from Bolivia’s national motto, “Unity is Strength.” The power of Bolivians’ collective efforts was reinforced so many times. The street protests catch the attention of both onlookers and political figures. Advocates for feminism think outside of the box to convey their messages to a wide audience. Bolivians use their talents to support each other in times of need, whether they’re in a clinical setting or a community house. Although there are plenty of social injustices prevalent in Bolivia, the people address them together with determination and pride.

The experiences I have had during my study abroad program have so many applications to my academic life at Pitt and beyond. The importance of planning well and being prepared for the unexpected carries well into my studies as a pre-med student. I need to prioritize self-care and my health while handling my responsibilities in order to maximize my potential. Sometimes, I’ll be placed in group settings where I know nobody, like a research lab, and the best I can do is to be open-minded and take it as an opportunity to form new bonds. Most importantly, I can make change in my own community in ways such as participating in service clubs and volunteering in clinical settings, even if I lack the power to do some things myself, because unity is strength. I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to travel to Bolivia this summer and hope to return someday.