I have recently been accepted into International Studies Abroad ELAP - Service Learning and Internships program, where I'll be in Lima, Peru for the month of June. By studying and interning abroad this summer, I will have the wonderful opportunity to work as an intern at an undetermined program. I am very ecstatic about going abroad because after taking intercultural classes at Xavier learning about how diverse this world is and how closely countries are intertwined with one another. A significant topic I discovered is how imperative it is to be culturally aware of not just your own community, but of how other countries and cultures and the impacts small events can have on us here at home. So, I will be able to put this knowledge from my previous classes into practical use, as well as utilize my four years of studying Spanish! Participating in this program will benefit me because I will be working hands-on in a professional psychology environment, where I will be introduced to my future work environment once I become a family/marriage therapist. I have not yet been assigned to an organization, but I expect to be working in either youth development or an elementary school with a psychologist, where I will be interacting with kids from a different culture than myself. Working in this type of environment is a valuable experience for me since the psychology field is becoming more diverse with individuals from various background and cultures and it's essential to keep an open mind when working with others who do not have the same background has you. As for a cost breakdown, $2,500 will toward the program cost, which includes being placed with an organization, housing (which also includes meals and laundry) and cultural activities in the city of Lima. The remaining $1,000 will be for my flight from Houston to Lima, Peru. I will be updating this site as well as my Facebook page with photos and stories of my summer journey in Peru. For more information on the study abroad program, go here: http://studiesabroad.com/elap/destinations/peru/lima I have also been selected as one of Abroad101/GoEnnounce's Student of the Week. Abroad101 is the largest study abroad review website, and a partner company of GoEnnounce. For more information on Abroad101 and my program, visit http://www.studyabroad101.com/programs/elap-lima-elap-stand-alone-4-week