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Hi, my name is Miriam Escoto! I am going into my junior year at UO, as a Global Studies major with minors in Global Health and Non-Profit Administration. I am a Mexican American student, a big part of my identity that has influenced my future career goals. As I have grown up learning how to straddle the two different cultures I identify with, I have become extremely interested in cross-cultural understanding, particularly in communities abroad. This summer, I am studying abroad through GEO on the Global Health and Service Learning in Ghana program.

Spending a term living, working, and experiencing Barcelona was incredible. I was placed with a fashion brand called AMEOS Eyewear. They offer unique, luxury sunglasses in flashy colors and fun designs. The work experience was the highlight of my adventure. Running around the city alongside my boss helped me feel like a local. A typical day consisted of designing AD's, meeting with partner businesses, and planning and executing photoshoots. I was lucky enough to be placed in a company that had a startup mindset with big brand success.

I was fortunate enough to receive the Gilman Scholarship, which is available for Pell Grant recipients. Receiving the Gilman Scholarship made it possible for me to study abroad. Prior to my time in London, I had never been to Europe or flown on an airplane alone. It was an exciting experience that helped me step outside of my comfort zone and become more independent. I loved all of the architecture in London, and the abundance of art and museums. I highly encourage anyone contemplating studying abroad in London to go for it.

I absolutely loved studying abroad in Segovia. My host family and the entire GEO staff were so welcoming and made me feel incredibly safe. Everyone that I met in Segovia was so friendly, and being able to meet the friends and family of my host family was an incredible experience. I loved being able to practice Spanish every day without a fear of embarrassment. In Segovia, we got to experience concerts in the main plaza, lots of local holidays, and beautiful sunsets. We also got to take super interesting field trips, but at the end, we were all excited to return back to Segovia.

Studying abroad through the Politics in London program was for sure one of the highlights of my college experience. Taking classes in the heart of a city like London was such an amazing experience and I am so fortunate that the University of Oregon offers programs like this. As a huge soccer fan, I was able to see my favorite childhood soccer team play their first game of the season! It was also so incredible learning about British politics from Professor Andrew Whitehead who was until recently a Lead Editor for BBC World News.

Returning to the U.S. after my study abroad experience in Siena was truly a whirlwind of emotions. The transition from the cobblestone streets and rich culture of Italy to the familiarity of home was very bittersweet. I remember feeling exhausted from the journey yet eager to reunite with my loved ones and share my adventures.

For my Spring 2023 internship in Dakar, Senegal, I spent two months working with GEEP, an NGO that works on issues of youth development and public health, particularly with respect to sexual health education, gender-based violence, and related issues. As an intern, my duties included analyzing pedagogical documents and drafting synthetic reports about the curriculum developed in primary and secondary schools throughout the country. I also engaged in videography and fieldwork for outreach purposes. 

I studied abroad in Queretaro Mexico, and it was a summer I will always remember. I learned so much about the language, culture, and history in Mexico. It was rewarding to be able to be a part of it. My favorite thing about my time abroad was the excursions exploring neighboring cities. I got to learn so much from those excursions and learn more about the people who have lived there all their lives. My favorite excursion was to the pyramids in Zona Arqueologica de Teotihuacan. I would encourage anyone to go if you're looking to learn more about Mexican language, culture, and history.

My experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I was able to work in my desired career field while also learning more about a different culture. While working for In-Addition Communication I was able to learn how to write press releases, pitch ideas, and create communication reports, while also being in a fun and welcoming work environment. I also learned how to communicate clearly and professionally. Working in London allowed me to understand time management. I learned how to navigate working a full-time job while also exploring a new city.

Studying abroad in London was a dream come true for me! I was a Poli Sci major at UO (graduated 2020) and to study abroad in London during Brexit was honestly such a cool experience despite bad outcome for the UK. I think studying abroad is super important because you get to experience another culture or a place you’d never expect while there (although very expensive, so keep that in mind!). When I was in London, I got to travel to Scotland for a personal trip.