In May of 2003 I traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico for five weeks through a study abroad program administered through Spelman College & Morehouse College's Foreign Language Departments. While in Oaxaca, I took classes in Mexican Literature and History. I also practiced my Spanish with a Speaking Partner and learned how to Salsa. The highlight of my trip however was the weekend we spent in an Afro-Mexican village where we learned more about Afro-Mexicans and their history. Ever since that visit I never miss an opportunity to educate people about Afro-Latinos, especially those residing in countries not known to have Black populations like Mexico. Living in Mexico allowed me to put the many classroom lessons I had learned about Spanish into practice.
During the Fall semester of my Junior year of college I lived in Salamanca, Spain through the IES Study Abroad program. Living in Spain allowed me to fulfill a childhood dream. Though living a dream that I had had for so long was very interesting. Spanish culture is distinct from United States culture but by the time I left Salamanca I was definitely acclimated to Spanish life.
The following Spring I moved to Santiago, Dominican Republic as part of the CIEE study abroad program. The Dominican Republic was a big change from Spain! I loved being in the Caribbean and learning about the African and European influences that exist there. I also had my first teaching experience in Santiago, teaching English to high school students at a private tutoring center. I enjoyed the Dominican Republic so much that I applied a Fulbright grant so I could go back!
