Kelsey MacQuarrie's Story
Hello, my name is Kelsey MacQuarrie, and I had the unbelievable opportunity to participate in one of NSCC’s 2023 international programs to Guayaquil, Ecuador from June 15th to July 15th, and it was beyond amazing. I was a part of a six-member group on this trip of all fellow Canadians, some I had met beforehand and others I got to know on our time away, and I do not think I could have been placed with a better group.
From traveling, especially for the first time away from home to our accommodations, to all the incredible support from our host families, the students, and staff from the University in Samborombón (UEES), it was an unreal experience. Everyone was so kind and understanding through our adjustment period, and they especially made me feel welcome and a part of the community. I feel so fortunate to have met so many wonderful people, to have created the friendships that I did, and to have lived and seen such an amazing culture and way of life.
I highly recommend to future students, in any program at NSCC, to consider applying for the Spanish and Service-Learning international trip, and to have a completely open mind during it, as rewarding as the education I received and historical visits we took, it is also the case that you do not know the next time you will get to visit Ecuador! Enjoy it, and if you need any help, you are supported. Thank you to the staff both at Nova Scotia Community College and Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo. (UEES) It was a dream come true.