The Secret Ingredients Behind Peru's Diverse Culinary Scene

History Behind Peru Powerful Gastronomy

Peru’s incredible access to land and sea has given it a natural base for some of the world’s most unique food that involves powerful influences from a variety of cultures. The country’s culinary foundation comes from a wide range of countries like Spain and China that has pushed the locals, and immigrants, to innovate its dishes that include food from both the land and sea. Collectively, the local Peruvians and migrants - who have integrated into the fabric of Peruvian culture - have embraced their responsibility for taking Peruvian meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables in order to combine them and make some of the world’s most delicious cuisine.  

A Small Piece of Peru’s Culinary History

In September 2016, I sat down one night to eat dinner one night at Tío Mario’s, a local restaurant in Lima’s Barranco neighborhood, and I unexpectedly got an informative history lesson about one of Peru’s most famous yet seemingly bizarre dishes. At the restaurant, I placed an order of Peru’s famous “anticuchos” with confidence and a gringo accent that made the waiter question if I knew what I really ordered. The waiter glanced at me, slightly squinted after hearing me, and wanted to make sure that I knew I was ordering cow hearts.  

Yes, anticuchos are cow hearts!

Cow hearts come on a skewer with a side of boiled, skinned potatoes. Don’t forget to ask for sauces!

In response, I smiled and told him that I love them and he seemed so pleasantly surprised that he asked me if I knew the story behind how cow hearts became a culinary favorite in Peru. At the time, I didn’t know so I asked him if he’d share a quick recap with me, given the fact that it’s a popular restaurant and it was busy at the time. He explained that when the Spaniards came and colonized centuries ago, they took the best of the food which left the rest for the locals.

He mentioned, in the times of Spanish colonial rule, the Spaniards ate the finest of steaks and the nice cuts of cow meat. Meanwhile, the Spanish colonists gave the Peruvian locals the leftovers, which you can imagine, included cow hearts. Aside from Spain’s impact of Peru’s cuisine, Peru has also innovated and infused local ingredients, foods, and products from other places.

Special Peruvian Staples

The variety of Peruvian food allows the locals and visitors from all around the world to try the array of dishes that indicates a wide range of tastes that play between sweet and spicy as well as flavors from the land and the sea. The delicious food, and the famous local soda that goes with it, gives Peru a unique identity in South America. The combination of various dishes incorporate local ingredients, spicy peppers, fruit, fish, and meat highlight and show off the many flavors of Peru.

Ají - these peppers are made and cultivated only in Peru, but please be aware, they can be very spicy! Before I tried it for the first time, one of my good Peruvian friends told me to avoid the seeds.

Orange ají peppers - that’s a lot of heat!

Why look at the seeds?

Similar to other spicy peppers, the seeds can make it very spicy, and according to pepperscale, the ají pepper can be four to twenty times spicier than a jalapeño. One of the most popular dishes in Peru is Ají de Gallina which involves making a spicy and creamy sauce with these delicious peppers, mixing the sauce and other ingredients with chicken, and adding rice and potatoes on the side. It’s as delicious as it sounds!

Don’t forget about the juice - it doesn’t bite!

Ceviche - Also written as “Cebiche”, this national Peruvian dish combines the best of the land and sea. Peru’s world-famous dish combines fresh, uncooked fish sprinkled with lime juice along with finely cut onion along with a sides of peeled “camote” (sweet potato) and a side of “canchita” (fried corn kernels) to provide a salty crunch.

Local tip: you should spoon the juice mix of fish oils and lime juice from the bottom of your place on top of the fish as you eat it to combine the flavors! Don’t forget about the juice, or as the Peruvians call it “la leche de tigre” (tiger’s milk) because despite the intense name the flavor has an acidic yet smooth finish!

Lucuma - This special fruit can only be found in the region of the Andes mountain region, especially in Peru. Its natural sweetness makes it into a refreshingly delicious addition to ice cream that you can find in most shops in Lima, depending on the season.

Inca Kola - This Peruvian soda has become one of Peru’s best selling products and one of the most unique, untold stories. True story: Coca Cola tried to compete directly with Inca Kola in the 1980’s, and surprisingly, the Peruvians still stayed loyal to Inca Kola. Although Coca Cola came in and took 21% of the market during that time, Inca Kola had control of over 30% of the soda market in terms of sales. Although Coca Cola lost the initial sales battle, it won the war because it now owns 50% of the business, according to a report by Penn’s Wharton Business School.  

Chinese Influence

The Chinese people who have immigrated to Peru and have changed the face of Peru’s culinary with their food has become some of Peru’s most popular food known as “Chifa”.

Surprisingly, more than twenty Spanish-speaking countries simply label food with Chinese as “comida china” or Chinese food, but Peru’s distinct heritage has given this unique blend a name that infused new elements new to the Peruvian diet. The words “chi” and “fa” in Chinese collectively mean “to eat rice” because the Chinese foods incorporated rice that became more widely used as the Chinese influence grew and new food group gained popularity.

In Lima, the popularity of these Chifa restaurants has grown because the Chinese took Peruvian recipes and incorporated local ingredients. Today, the Chifa restaurants offer the local sauces, such as the aforementioned ají sauce, to go alongside their stir-fry-style meals. When the Chinese first came, they lacked certain ingredients such as ginger so they had also began incorporating well-known Peruvian foods, such as tomatoes and onions, into their foods. These restaurants stand out in most of the neighborhoods as Chifa continues to boom in major cities like Lima.

Chinese-style rice along with Peruvian ingredients and staples, such as potatoes, have become all part of the famous “Chifa”!

Whether you like seafood and meat, or if you prefer more fruits and vegetables, you have no excuse to avoid Peru! The endless amount of food options welcome anyone to come and try the wide array of foods. You can be adventurous and try the cow hearts, or you can pick from a lot of other foods!

Have you tried any different foods lately? Do you want to try something new and adventurous? Please visit our custom programs page if you’re interested in a faculty-led or high school program to Peru, or our study abroad page if you’re a student interested in studying abroad in Peru!

Why Study In Peru?

What Makes Peru Different

Of all the places to study around the world, Peru offers the natural beauty of the Pacific coastline along with a modern twist. In addition to its unique scenery, the locals in big cities like Lima have taken traditional Peruvian foods and ingredients and fused it with exciting, rich flavors from other parts of the world. At EdOdyssey, we want to give you a real look into how Peru’s beauty continues to combine and fuse local and foreign influences into the vibrant fiber of its culture.  

Are you looking to explore a new, exciting place with some of the most diverse food and most distinct views in the world? Do you want to experience tasting the fusion of both Asian and South American foods?  

Landscape in Lima - Cliffs and Pacific Coast  

These cliffs go over one hundred feet high (30 meters+)!

In Peru, you’ll see how the unique terrain boosts some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in all of South America that juxtaposes the best of both the earth and sea. You’ll have the opportunity to see how the pacific coast runs along Lima with its distinct mix of rocky and sandy beaches along the cliffs.

Along the Peruvian coastline, you can see Lima’s steep cliffs hugging the coastline. With EdOdyssey, we take you to see the best views of the city from on the edge of these mythical cliffs. Not literally (don’t worry), but you’ll get close enough to the end of the cliffs to see the highway below, the ocean in the distance, and one of most amazing views from an open air mall built into the cliff. Believe it or not, Lima has a mall called Larcomar that looks out onto the Pacific coast.

Wait, a mall with an ocean view? Yes!

Natural cliffs guard Lima from the Pacific waves.

In the Peruvian capital, Larcomar is the only open-air mall in the world with stores, shops, and restaurants built into the cliffs. In the past, we’ve taken students to eat at world-famous chef Gastón Acurio’s restaurant Tanta, a small international Peruvian restaurant chain. While you’re in one of South America’s biggest cities in South America, you’ll notice how quickly you go from standing on top of one of the most picturesque coastlines in all of the world to taking a plane two hours away and surrounding yourself with mountains in Cusco.

Experiencing Cusco

In Cusco, you’ll see a smaller city with more aspects of Peruvian mountain life. In the streets, you’ll see people walking with their local animals, such as llamas and alpacas, walking the local streets in their traditional clothing (as seen in the picture below). The best part? You’ll get a chance to see building structures that have been around for centuries so you’ll get a sense of how Peru incorporates tradition along with the modern!

During our past trips to the region around Cusco, you will have the opportunity to see the famous Peruvian llama, as seen on the right. Additionally, you’ll learn about Peru’s agriculture, gastronomy, and other local animals such as the vicuña and alpaca during one of our day trips!

Food, Drink and Culture in Peru

Peru has one of the most diverse populations in all of South America, and with that, came cross-culinary fusion that you will want to see and taste while in Peru!

In the late 19th century and early 20th century, Chinese immigrants came to Peru and they brought with them their own cooking style and flavors that became mixed with local Peruvian cuisine now popularly known as “Chifa”. This Peruvian and Chinese fusion has created some of the best Peruvian dishes, including the iconic chaufa (combination-style fried rice) and lomo saltado (sauteed sirloin strips with onions and tomatoes accompanied with fries and/or rice).

Chaufa combines the Chinese style fried rice with Peruvian chicken and Peruvian sauces while lomo saltado takes the idea of traditional Chinese stir fry and adds rice and fries that come from Peruvian potatoes.  These two popular dishes highlight two of Peru’s biggest culinary staples: potatoes and chicken. Although many people think of Ireland as being known for potatoes, this starchy staple actually comes from Peru which boosts over three thousand different types of potatoes.

Want to hear more about Peru’s landscape and gastronomy? No worries, you’ll have the opportunity to read more in the coming weeks with more about it! As educators with a passion for Peru, we want you to experience these places.

Please fill out a study abroad application today so we can learn more about your interest in going abroad to Lima!

Peru's Recent History: A Story of Struggles and Growth

Peru’s Recent History: From Terrorism To Triumph

Peru continues to go through a tremendous transformation that has taken the country from terrorism to triumph within the last almost forty years. Although Peru has struggled with political corruption and scandals within recent memory, on the whole, it has emerged as an economic powerhouse in South America. Along with economic growth, Peru’s expanding middle class has improved life for its people while transportation and services can vary depending on where you are in big cities like Lima.

Through EdOdyssey, we want to show you that despite Peru’s history of terrorism and most recent stint of political controversy, there has been an advance in development that has helped neighborhoods grow and prosper. From the bustling city center into the more humble neighborhoods, you will learn about how the atmosphere in Peru, and especially in Lima, has evolved and changed drastically during the last three decades.

Late 20th Century Terrorism, Recent Corruption

In the 1980’s and 1990’s, a reign of terrorism controlled and disrupted Peru. The Shining Path, a terrorist movement for the last two decades of the 20th century, rallied indigenous people from the countryside and poorer areas to engage in terrorist acts against civilians and the government. During that twenty year span, the armed supporters of the Shining Path took part in bombings and assassinations that went from more remote areas to major cities, such as Lima. Some estimates have shown that there were more than 60,000 deaths reported as a result of the Shining Path, according to the NY Times, which one of the highest death tolls from any terrorist group in the history of the America’s.

Former President Alberto Fujimori Credit: University of Houston - Clear Lake

In the 1990’s, President Alberto Fujimori pushed back against the group through unilateral, illegal orders ranging from kidnappings to assassinations of Shining Path members. Additionally, he used public money to fight the insurgency of the group that did contribute to weakening the power of the terrorist group, but his unethical tactics broke the law. His controversial decisions during his presidency ultimately put him in jail where he continues to serve a prison sentence that was given in the early 2000’s.

President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski during his short-lived presidency.

Credit: perureports.com

Despite Fujimori’s daring politics, his presidency began a time of construction and transformation in Peru that also highlights Peru’s continued struggle with political corruption within recent years. The most recent example comes from the controversy of one of the most recent presidents, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, which brought him to resign as president in May 2018 - less than twenty months into his presidency.

His company advised and received funds from a Brazilian construction company, Odebrecht, that laundered money to electoral campaigns. Despite Peru’s political controversy surrounding their presidents, the country has seen significant growth in the middle class.

21st Century: Lima On The Rise

Lima has seen an increase in public transport that has helped the middle class grow tremendously within the last few years. According to Andina, a Peruvian news source, the middle class has grown eight percent from 2011 to 2015. In order to support this growing class, Lima continues to build out new transportation, including a new metro line.

This second subway line shows the Peruvian capital’s dedication to public infrastructure as it has invested heavily with over five million dollars to expand on its existing transportation. From one subway line to two subway lines, the country has committed its biggest investments in the country’s history, according to the World Bank.

This new metro line that aims to open in 2022 will serve over two million people, according to PeruReports, which shows that the country’s capital continues to grow and expand. The growth of the metro and bus lines in the city center will help continue to serve the community as Peru continues to gain economic strength in South America.

Don’t you want to get a look into the future of one of South America’s fastest developing cities before it’s finished? Do you want to see a real look some different neighborhoods?

The silver buses service the city center.

Credit: metropoliano.com.pe

Along the same lines, the buses in Lima show that even the bus lines indicate both an area of growth as well as identifiers of class and wealth. The Metropolitano, Lima’s public bus system (as seen on the right), provides quick and easy access for over half a million workers daily to get to/from work in more of central and generally wealthier parts of the city.

The yellow buses cover Northern & Southern Lima.

Credit: APLN

During your trip, you will get a chance to see the central area of Lima that the Metropolitano services as well as the more developing areas where the Alimentadora makes stops. In the past, we’ve taken student groups to a local orphanage in Villa El Salvador, one of the Lima’s developing neighbors, to complete a day of service out of solidarity. As a part of our custom programs, we have allowed our student groups to go out and serve local communities to see how people live in different parts of the city.

Do you want to witness the growth of some of the newest, most up-and-coming infrastructure in both North and South America? Are you curious to learn more about Peru as it continues to rise?

If you want to get a better idea about us and our programs, check us out across all of our social media!

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Sources:

Andina, Agencia. “Peru's Middle-Class Accounts for One-Third of the Population.” News  ANDINA - Peru News Agency, andina.pe/ingles/noticia-perus-middleclass-accounts-for-onethird-of-the-population-618120.aspx

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Alberto Fujimori.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 24 July 2018, www.britannica.com/biography/Alberto-Fujimori.

“Delays for Lima Metro Line 2 Postpone Opening Date to 2022.” Perú Reports, Perú Reports, 20 Sept. 2017, perureports.com/lima-metro-line-2-delays-postpone-opening-date/5498/.

Forero, Juan. “Peru Report Says 69,000 Died in 20 Years of Rebel War.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 29 Aug. 2003, www.nytimes.com/2003/08/29/world/peru-report-says-69000-died-in-20-years-of-rebel-war.html

Hollar, Sherman. “Pedro Pablo Kuczynski.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 29 Sept. 2018, www.britannica.com/biography/Pedro-Pablo-Kuczynski.

“Lima Urban Transport: On the Way to Transformation.” The World Bank, The World Bank, www.worldbank.org/en/topic/transport/brief/connections-note-22.

Understanding The Keys of Peruvian Culture: Landscape and Diversity

Why Peru? Why EdOdyssey?

Peru has become one of South America’s most popular countries to visit because of its unique, natural beauty and cultural diversity. As you consider places to study, or travel, in South America then you might ask yourself: what makes Peru worth exploring? Why study abroad with EdOdyssey?

First off, we come from teaching backgrounds as bilingual and trilingual educators and we’ve all enjoyed our own experiences both studying and working in Peru ourselves. Furthermore, our desire to share Peru’s allure with the world comes from our own life-changing experiences there because we believe that it will change yours too. Through our customized study exchange programs, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on learning both from EdOdyssey staff comprised of both internationals and locals with whom we’ve developed relations over five years of existence.

Based on our collective experiences, we want to give you a sense of the country’s temperate climate and diverse landscape to best prepare you for your time abroad. From beautiful beaches to high mountains, you’ll have the opportunity taste some of the most delicious food from both the land and the sea.

Additionally, you’ll get to collaborate with locals at Peruvian schools and participate in cultural activities across the country. Our study abroad exchanges goes at capturing the heart of Lima, Cusco, and places in between as we first help you get a better idea about what type of weather you can expect while in Peru!

Climate in Peru

In general, the Peruvian climate tends to be temperate, especially along the coast. More specifically, Lima has high humidity which can make the temperature reading deceptively low or high depending on the season. Additionally, when it “rains” according to people in Lima, it tends to be more of a light shower or a mist with some clouds.

Along those same lines, these the clouds can be more transparent and feel brighter at times. For instance, if you read the weather report for Lima and go outside, you will probably either be slightly warmer or slightly colder based on clouds, rain and breeze from the ocean. The differences of seasons in the southern hemisphere tend to be opposite of our seasons (American winter = Peruvian summer) but we want to explore the different seasons so you can know what to expect in Peru so check out the graphic and in-depth explanation of the seasonal differences below!

Climate in Peru

First off, the Peruvian summer (December - February) in Lima has temperatures that go above 80ºF (26ºC) but tend to not go much higher. There tends to be less cloud cover so definitely bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock if you go to the beach. Remember, you’re closer to the equator so the sun feels stronger than what you probably feel back home!

Later on, the fall months (March - May) feel like an enjoyable transition with cool temperatures and an enjoyable breeze. When temperatures go below 60ºF (18ºC), Peruvians start wear sweaters at night after the sun goes down.

Afterwards, Peruvian winter (June - August) typically doesn’t go below 50º F (10º C), but temperatures can feel colder than listed on weather reports. In Lima, there tends to be some high level of moisture and cloud cover to go along with a breeze and “rain”, or mist, that tends to be lighter but can change.

Toward the end of the year, during Peruvian spring months (September - November), the weather transitions slowly from winter to summer. Along the coast, the clouds and coldness dissipate with the rain as the months on but the humidity and moisture remain strong factors that dictate the feel of the weather. A light jacket can never hurt as the breeze, humidity and sun dictate the type of temperature that you’ll feel at any given time of day.

Please remember, the weather patterns described previously mainly describes Lima but the other two other main regions in Peru follow a similar, general weather pattern from the Pacific Ocean to the western side of the Andes. There are the highlands in Andes mountain range and the jungle that’s location more inland on the eastern side of the Andes. In Cusco, the capital of the Incas, you’ll see what it’s like to live in the highlands, and although the weather follows the general trends, but it tends to be chillier with less humidity due to high altitude.

Located in the highlands, Cusco and its altitude takes you to over 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above sea level, according to Britannica. Fun fact: that’s basically twice as high as Denver aka “The Mile High City”! We recommend drinking plenty of fluids and getting a good night sleep ahead of time. When you travel with EdOdysssey, we take our time the first day that we arrive into the city so that everyone can adjust to the altitude and absorb the cultural and physical differences between the two major Peruvian cities!  

Cultural and Physical Landscape

You’ll get the opportunity to explore the coast and the highlands so that you can gain see some of the best that Peru has to offer to enjoy an unforgettable time abroad!  Peru’s diverse landscapes and populations make it stand out amongst the other South American countries.

From the Pacific Ocean to the Andes mountains, EdOdyssey will take you on a journey to see Peru’s mixing pot of cultures from all around the world. Immigrants have flocked from Asia and African to live and join local populations, especially in Lima, while the indigenous tribes have continued their ancient traditions in the highlands near Cusco.

In addition to having you see more of Peru’s native population in Cusco, you’ll enjoy learning about how local people in Lima have fused aspects of different cultures. Immigrants who have come to Peru and now call it home, have incorporated African, Asian and European cultures into Peru’s indigenous culture. As centuries have passed, the country has formed its special cultural identity that has evolved and created it’s unique music, gastronomy, and culture as it is today. As these cultures have come, they’ve needed to learn and adapt to the local languages.

Peru’s Languages

Spanish is the official language that is spoken in the vast majority of the country with over 25 million speakers. Peru is one of the over 20 countries that speak Spanish but outside of the major metropolitan areas, and more inland, Peruvians also speak Quechua and Aymara.

Quechua is an indigenous language in the southeastern portion of Peru with over three million speakers, according to The Economist. The tribes in the area surrounding Cusco speak Quechua, and there’s recently been a government push to keep the language alive and to spread it with a news channel in Quechua that first aired in December 2016.

Aymara is the language of various indigenous tribes across southern parts of Peru as well as parts of Chile and Bolivia with over a million speakers, according to Britannica, and had its first broadcast air in April 2017.  

Major Events

Mistura is one of the biggest culinary festivals in all of South America. In Lima, during beginning of September each year, the city hosts over one hundred venders from across South America, and a few from around the world, that put their best food and drink for consumption. This gastronomic spectacle invites and includes everyone from chefs to farmers, and customers, to embrace food from around the world. These vendors sell typical Peruvian drinks, such as their world-famous pisco, and almost any type of seafood, meat, vegetable and fruit with intriguing combinations that focus on citrus, sweet, sour, spicy, and rich flavors or combine these flavors with homemade ingredients from across South America, and the world.  

Fiestas Patrias take place July 28th and July 29th to commemorate the country’s shift away from the Spanish Empire. The first day, July 28th, pays tribute to both José de San Martin and Simon Bolivar who were both Latin American liberators in the mid-19 century. The next day, July 29th, celebrates the official separation of Peru from the Spanish Empire and the official establishment of the Republic.

Sports

Without a doubt, and to no surprise, soccer reigns as Peru’s most popular sport. Their rival against their neighbor, Chile, seems like a competition against brothers who want to show who’s the best on the Pacific coast of the South American continent.

Peru’s qualification for the World Cup inspired a country that saw their first qualification for the big tournament after a thirty year absence. In Moscow, the site of the games, they joined one of the toughest brackets that included top-ranked Denmark and France. Although they competed hard and showed tremendous heart from the start, both respective matches were close loses for the white and red as they lost each game 1-0. Despite an inspired victory against Australia that they won 2-0, they got cut going into the second round of the tournament.

Although competitive on a national level, locals enjoy playing for fun as well and you’ll get a chance to play against locals! As a part of your trip with EdOdyssey, you’ll get a chance to play soccer against local volunteers as a part of EdOdyssey’s Day of Service that offers volunteering at a local orphanage in Lima’s metropolitan area.  

Music

In Peru, there is a unique combination of percussion, string and wind instruments that indicate different parts of Peru’s roots that go from indigenous to both European and African influences as well. The percussion instruments, such as the cajón (see to the right), played a major role in focusing on the power and rhythm of music that the African slaves brought with them to Peru. The European-style string instruments that the Spanish brought with them highlighted more melody and harmony that you can see in The Peruvian National Anthem. The wind instruments, such as the Andean flute and panpipes, show the variation of both soothing and sharpness of Peru’s indigenousness music that students learn about in school.

In the past, we’ve gone to a local elementary school in Lima to learn how Peruvians learn about their rich musical history. Beyond music theory, we’ve seen how they learn through experiential learning and actually learn through playing musical games to work on their rhythm. In the school, the students play eventually play songs on instruments like the cajón, and we want you to learn about it and feel it.

As you consider our programs, and an exchange in Peru, we invite you to join our family. We’ve come together to share what we love about this beautiful country with you. We believe that travel brings people together and changes them for the better, and ultimately, those people go on to change the world.

Please fill out an application so we help get you on your way to seeing what Peru has to offer you!

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Sources:

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopedia. “Aymara.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 10 June 2016, www.britannica.com/topic/Aymara.

“Independence Day Peru: Everything You Need to Know.” Peru Hop, 12 Sept. 2018, www.peruhop.com/independence-day-peru/.

Mistura Fair Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary In The Historic District of Rimac . Mistura, www.mistura.pe/english-info-mistura-2017/

“Peru's Indigenous-Language Push.” The Economist, The Economist Newspaper, 26 Aug. 2017, www.economist.com/the-americas/2017/08/26/perus-indigenous-language-push.

“Peruvian Music.” Customized Peru Packages - MachuPicchu.org, www.machupicchu.org/peruvian_music.htm.

“Peru.” Republic of Peru, One World Nations Online, www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/peru.htm.

China Immersion Program - Student Interview

Clara is a rising freshman from Atlanta, Georgia. During her 8th grade year, she was a third-year Mandarin at her school and through this class was able to participate in EdOdyssey's program in China.

In March 2018 Clara participated in an approximately 2-week long exchange and immersion program in China that brought students to Shanghai, Huzhou and Beijing. Before registering for the trip Clara admitted she was nervous, having never been away from home before, but her parents encouraged her to go and after returning she wrote, "I am so glad that I decided to go... it was the best trip I have ever taken!"  Below is an excerpt of Clara's alumni interview with GoOversees.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I would tell them to not go to China looking for America, but instead travel with an open mind, ready to learn about Chinese culture.

You should be like a sponge – ready to absorb all of the knowledge you can about the culture because before you know it, you will be back home again.

EdOdyssey made it really easy to do this, by immersing me and my classmates into the Chinese culture through many interactions with locals. I would also advise them to not forget to take chances, and try new things. If you don't, you might regret it later in life, because you never know if you will have the same opportunities again.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

In the days leading up to the trip, I started to become very nervous. I had never really spent much time away from my family, and this trip was two weeks in a country on the other side of the world! Of course, my family and I had some worries. For example: Would I get along with my host family? What if I didn't like the food? What if I got homesick?

Once I arrived in China, this nervousness immediately transformed into excitement. All of my worries melted away once I met my buddy from my host family. She was so nice and welcoming, and taught me a lot about Chinese culture.

All in all, none of my fears came true. My host family was super nice, the food was AMAZING, and everyday had such a full itinerary that I never even had time to think about being homesick, much less feel that way. EdOdyssey answered all of my and my family's questions and helped us feel much more prepared for the trip. They also ensured that the trip was safe and that we had absolutely nothing to worry about.

What is your favorite memory from your trip to China?

During my trip to China, I had many great experiences. When people ask me this question, they expect me to answer that my favorite experience was visiting the Great Wall of China or going to the Forbidden City. However, this was not so.

My favorite memory actually occurred while my class and I were staying in Huzhou, a "small" and relatively rural city. My class visited a local high school and experienced something far different from what we were used to in America.

Many of the students had never met someone foreign, and especially not from the USA. Once they found out that we were visiting, they flooded out of their classes, and some people even began jumping out of the second story windows just to get a look at the American students! They wanted to take pictures with us, get our WeChat usernames, and ask us all of their questions. I felt like a celebrity!

It was a really amazing experience because it allowed me to realize what different places in the world are like. It also opened my eyes to new perspectives, and allowed me to have life-changing realizations about how the world works in countries other than America.

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Read this full alumni interview here and meet other alumni and discover more about EdOdyssey's GoOverseas Custom Trip page.

Spain Immersion Program - Student Interview

Matt is a rising college that will study abroad in South America later this year. When selecting a study abroad destination he was mindful of choosing a location that allowed him to polish his Spanish language skills and would open his eyes to another culture.

Matt's experience with traveling and studying languages began several years ago in 2014 when Matt participated in a 4-week long exchange that brought him to Spanish city of Cordova, Spain. During his time abroad he explored the country, lived with a host family and attended classes at a local school. Upon returning, Matt and his family also hosted a student at their home who attended classes at Matt's local school in Boston. 

Matt had a fantastic experience that continues to inform his studies and effect his global perspective today. So much so that this summer 2018, Matt returned to work with EdOdyssey as a Summer Intern to work with international students spending time in New England!

Below is an excerpt of Matt's alumni interview with GoOversees:

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Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I had a hunger to see more of the world. I also chose to go to Spain specifically as I studied eleven years of Spanish, and something about it just wasn't clicking yet. Peter convinced me that the power of immersion would have tangible effects towards my language acquisition in Spanish, so I went for it! Had I not, I would not be where I am academically today, nor would my Spanish be as proficient as it is. I swear by it!

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The trip was cumulatively all-inclusive. The cost of the trip provided a group of five students and our trip moderator, Peter, with individual host families for two weeks, paired with students from Colegio de Fomento Ahlzahir, our host school. Transportation on long-distance train rides, buses, and vans were provided on our trips around southern Spain, as was admission into destinations such as the Alhambra.

The only thing we had to pay for were optional souvenirs and food (if we were not home or at a host family's house for meals). I did not spend a lot of money out-of-pocket.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

I was incredibly nervous to go and immerse myself in another culture and language with which I was not confident in my ability. I was nervous to be alone with a complete group of strangers for my host family, and wondered if I would even be able to communicate with them.

My advice is to not let the hesitations and "what-ifs" get in your way of just saying yes and doing it.

Being able to see the world from a completely different perspective in another country is an opportunity that you simply should never pass up.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was terrified that my Spanish would not be good enough to adequately communicate with my host family. I had taken Spanish in school and learned countless chapters of vocabulary, but my grammar and speaking-fluency never worked together. To resolve this, Peter made us sign a language pact once we arrived at the airport in Spain. It was a promise to try our best and only speak Spanish – even to one another.

After a few days (and numerous corrections from my host father), my fluency began to improve as I began to literally change the language I was thinking in. Once you stop trying to translate everything in your head or pick apart every word in a conversation instead of just trying to comprehend the 'big picture', you literally start to think in your target language and maybe even dream in it – I know I did.

This short time in Spain did more for my Spanish than four years in the classroom. I jumped into A.P. Spanish the following year without taking the level four course right before it, as Spanish became my second language, and my confidence improved. Now in college, I plan to study abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina for six months because I want to perfect my Spanish and achieve fluency. By committing to my target language and exclusively speaking it through our language pact, I overcame a fear that nearly held me back from going in the first place!

Read this full alumni interview here and meet other alumni and discover more about EdOdyssey's GoOverseas Custom Trip page.