Erika Hernandez
Latin American Studies

When I reapplied to graduate school, I never imagined my life would become such a whirlwind of learning and adventure. Nor would I have thought that I would have the opportunity to live in Latin America for almost seven months and obtain academic credit in the process. Since last June, I’ve had the opportunity to live in Oaxaca, Mexico and Northern Peru where I discovered that not everything falls nicely into textbook theories but rather sometimes you have to have let things unfold before your eyes and let your self become wrapped up in your surroundings.

And of course, everyone always wants to know how I can afford these experiences and I always tell them that they should apply for scholarships and grants, in particular, the FLAS award. The FLAS award is not only generous but it is flexible and it may accommodate your specific area of study. Applying for the FLAS award was a relatively easy process since I developed a great interest in traditional healing as a form of health care and acquired research from classes I took from the Latin American Studies department, and incorporated this knowledge into my proposal. The FLAS award facilitated my ability to become emerged in learning the Mixtec language in its native area. I visited various villages in which Mixtec remains the predominant language spoken.

My stay in Oaxaca and Peru was an amazing experience. I met many individuals that helped me grow personally and professionally. I lived as a tourist but I felt accepted as a local. I look forward to traveling and living abroad to experience life outside of the box, or in this case, the book.