My Learning Adventure in Chile and Peru

Tameka (at right) and fellow students on their flight to South America.

PowHERful scholar Tameka Thelisnort is a first generation college student and senior at Georgia State University's Robinson College of Business. She recently returned from a successful study trip to Chile and Peru and offers us this brief:

“A year ago, if someone had asked me if I was planning to study abroad, I would have said ‘No.’ Just the idea: too expensive, too difficult to plan—what’s more, I’d never been out of the country. And yet this past February, with a couple of years of college behind me, I decided I was ready to take a leap: Without even knowing Spanish, I signed up for a program offered by GSU, “Soft Landing: Chile & Peru.” Yes, I was nervous, but excited too, as I knew I’d be learning about these countries and their economies and business practices in the best way possible—by being there, on the ground.

“Before we left, our group spent a 40-hour week learning about Chile’s and Peru’s economy, history, and culture. By the end of that week, my nervousness had vanished and I was ready—and ecstatic!—to go.

“We landed in Chile, and I discovered a beautiful country with amazing sights. We spent time in cities such as the capital, Santiago, and in Viña Del Ma, on the coast; we visited private universities, and the Museum of Memory and Human Rights, which was created to commemorate the victims of Pinochet’s dictatorship. And we were introduced to Endeavor, a global network that has supported Chilean entrepreneurs and the growth of hundreds of new businesses here. While I might have gotten false impressions through social media about countries I’ve never visited, I was able to see with my own eyes that Chile is on the move.

“On to Peru, where I was immediately awed by the exquisite landscape. Even Lima, the capital city, is covered with gorgeous trees and flowers—I felt like I was walking into an enormous garden! We visited a private university and had conversations with professors, experts, and business owners. We spent time at the Chamber of Commerce and learned how Peru is always looking for new opportunities for growth, and has streamlined their entry process for international businesses. Our trips took us from the historic archaeological site of Pachacamac to Larcomar, a thriving shopping center that overlooks the Pacific coast. Every site was truly just breathtaking.

“For me, this trip to Latin America was life-changing. What started as a “why not” turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences of my college career. Traveling to Chile and Peru not only opened my eyes to the beauty, culture, and hospitality of these countries but also deepened my understanding of global economics and business practices. And, most important: I learned that stepping outside my comfort zone—despite language barriers and initial fears—can lead to personal growth in ways I never imagined. I’m grateful for the memories, the lessons, and the people I met along the way, and I now look forward to exploring more of the world with an open mind and heart.”