Departure & Travel
If I could describe this trip in one word, that would be impossible! I have so much to share about my trip to Bolivia in several words and even paragraphs. For starters, although the flights to Bolivia were a bit long, the experience was worthwhile and rewarding in the end. First, as we arrived in Cochabamba, we were met with Ariel and Marion at the airport and then we took the first trip through Bolivia’s carnaval scenery. Then, we had a historical presentation at a cafe with Vivian Schwarz who is very experienced with the history, politics, and economy of Bolivia. I learned that many political connections were meaningful to highlight that connected Bolivia and the United States. For example, as discussed in the presentation, Bolivia has faced corruption and inflation over the recent years. As with the USA, we have been experiencing several examples that reflect Bolivia’s level of status. Bolivia relies heavily on the export of natural resources to build up its economy, recently I learned from the presentation that the Bolivian government has already begun to sell its gold reserves to combat their inflation and corruption issues. However, this action falls into a neverending loophole where the government can’t provide enough to help its citizens. It was interesting to learn that voting is mandatory and there are consequences. For instance, you can’t make banking transactions if you don’t vote here. Learning about these critical connections helped me to better understand Bolivia’s political status and its citizens.
Food, Drinks, & Safety
Culturally, my expectations regarding food and entertainment were met. The food was delicious and served in generous portions, aligning with what I had researched beforehand. For example, the Pique Macho was huge and included a lot of sausages and potatoes. The fruit drinks that I had almost every day were so refreshing! I was never expecting fresh fruit juice, but it is important to understand the differences in food and drink options that are accessible to the local communities. However, one of the more challenging parts was adjusting to using bottled water for everyday activities like brushing my teeth. It was a constant effort to remember not to use tap water, but over time, I became more accustomed to it. This experience deepened my appreciation for the clean water access I often take for granted back home.
NGOs, Start-Ups, & CEOLI
We had the incredible opportunity to meet Karin and her son, who delivered an inspiring presentation about sustainability in Bolivia. Her journey into entrepreneurship was fascinating—she turned an unfortunate scam experience into a meaningful business that focuses on composting with worms. This initiative not only supports environmental conservation but also provides financial stability for her family. The story of Nutri Jardin reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability, which are critical traits for any entrepreneur.
Later in the afternoon, we traveled to CEOLI, a school that supports children and adults with disabilities, to do our service work. One of the biggest highlights of this experience was meeting Felix, a dedicated staff member who oversees maintenance at the center. He welcomed and taught us to assist with painting and other tasks, allowing us to improve the walls of the center. Additionally, we interacted with Ariel’s students at the local university where he teaches, who were communications and media students learning English. In my opinion, this experience was the best because interacting with people around the same age is so fun and interesting. For example, I learned more about local education. Did you know that Bolivia almost has the same education system as the United States? This really gave me firsthand insight into the local education system and the enthusiasm of Bolivian students to learn a global language.
Inca Ruins and Cultural Exploration
Visiting the Inca ruins was a profound experience that enriched my understanding of Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage. Witnessing the remnants of an ancient civilization provided a powerful connection to Bolivia’s history and resilience. The small huts and structures showcased the resourcefulness of the Incas, a trait that I observed as still meaningful in modern Bolivian society, especially in their ability to navigate economic and political challenges in the country.
Furthermore, a quick visit to the nearby colonial town added another layer to my historical understanding. For example, climbing the bell tower and exploring the history museums allowed me to see the stark contrast between Bolivia’s indigenous roots and the colonial influences that have shaped its present-day society. Additionally, Rolando, our bus driver, showcased incredible skill in navigating the treacherous roads to the ruins despite the light rain and deep potholes. His ability to drive the bus through challenging conditions demonstrated the adaptability and resilience that seemed to characterize many of the Bolivians I met during this adventure.
Connecting Classroom Learning to Real-World Experiences
Several discussions and readings from class proved highly relevant to my experiences in Bolivia. One of the most impactful was Augusto’s presentation on Bolivia’s fiscal health and the connection to our discussion about being open-minded and curious in class. His breakdown of the country’s economic struggles, including excessive government spending and low foreign direct investment, painted a clear picture of the financial hurdles Bolivia faces. This presentation connected directly to my major in finance and supply chain management and minor in economics, reinforcing key concepts such as inflation, debt accumulation, and economic policy. In addition, the water situation: where I can’t use tap water in Bolivia reminded me of the reading that discusses that we will have points of discomfort and we should be grateful for what we already have.
Another compelling class reading and discussion that impacted the trip was “the developing intercultural competence by participating in intensive intercultural service learning.” During this class discussion, I learned that the idea of service-learning can help address the need to bring people together across differences to address local and global issues. This idea resonated with many of the entrepreneurial ventures we encountered, such as Nutri Jardin and Quraplanet, which embodied focused and sustainable business strategies. Additionally, the Minto Pyramid, which we discussed in my strategic management class brought more insight into analyzing Bolivia’s economic structure and business environment.
Final Day: Presentations and Reflection
We presented our reflections to Ronald and the teaching staff on our final day. This was a great opportunity to consolidate our learning and share our insights with those who had guided us throughout our journey. The day ended on a celebratory note with a dance party at CEOLI, which was a joyful way to conclude an eye-opening experience. Finally, the journey back to the U.S. was miserable and difficult, with multiple flights making for a long and exhausting return. However, the challenges of travel paled compared to the invaluable experiences and lessons I gained from this trip.
Additional Thoughts
This valuable experience broadened my global perspective in so many ways. For starters, I gained a deeper understanding of Bolivia’s economic and political challenges, witnessed the impact of grassroots entrepreneurship, and engaged in meaningful service work that underscored the importance of community support. The resilience of the Bolivian people left a lasting impression on me, reminding me of the power of adaptability and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Ultimately, this journey reinforced the value of experiential learning. While class and reading discussions provide a solid foundation, it does not beat the first-hand experiences that have deepened my understanding. The cultural differences, economic realities, and personal interactions I encountered in Bolivia will undoubtedly shape my future studies and professional aspirations. As I return home to the States, I have gained a greater appreciation for the privileges I often take for granted and a renewed commitment to engaging with global issues in a meaningful way into the future!