Andrea is an active member of Latino Student Union (LSU) and International Student Union (ISC), and she enjoys intramural soccer. She is a psychology and social work major.

Facts about the Colombia:

Capital:

Bogota

Official Language:

Spanish

Size:

Colombia is roughly the size of California and Texas combined. It is the fourth largest country in South America.

Cost of round trip:

$800-$1000

Fun Fact:

In the 1800s Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, northwest Brazil and northern Peru were all part of Colombia (La Gran Colombia). That is why the flags of Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia are similar in color except for their respective symbols.

1. What do you miss the most from Colombia? (Besides family)

I mostly miss dancing, the music and, most of all, the food.

2. What do you like and dislike about America?

What I like:

I like the desserts, specifically rhubarb pie. I like the flexibility of travel—it is very easy to travel great distances. I also like the fact that the pay for working while a student in college is a good.

What I do not like:

I do not like the cold weather. I also do not like the fact that the U.S. has the legal age at 21.

3. What is your favorite childhood experience?

My favorite childhood experience is when my friend and I would race each other while holding onto our dogs’ leashes. In the end the dogs would end up pulling us since they were faster than us.

4. What did you think about America before coming here?

To me America was a place where everything was bigger from open spaces to buildings to cars.

5. What inspired you to come here?

I was excited to attend Goshen College because it was a liberal arts college where I knew that social awareness and environmental awareness were held in high regard.

6. What are some differences between the American and Colombian Culture?

In Colombia we have very many dances and we enjoy dancing a lot.

I also see the culture in Colombia as one which is warmer. People are also friendly here but in Colombia there is more to the friendship.

Stores in Colombia are smaller and more personal; you have a connection with the person selling you the items you are buying as opposed to a large store like Wal-Mart where there is no connection.

7. What do you want to do in the future?

I am aspiring to work with people who are in need. I want my work to be oriented towards the poor and marginalized.