My daughter's study abroad trip to Honduras was a much-anticipated event for our family. Rebecca looked forward to traveling to a Spanish speaking country, working with elementary aged students, and being with other education majors.

My husband and I supported Rebecca's wish to have this learning opportunity. She wants to become fluent in Spanish and learn about other cultures first hand. However the thought of sending my 19-year-old freshman to a foreign country was daunting.

Before I could feel comfortable with sending Rebecca to a foreign country, I needed to be free from worry that Rebecca would be safe and have a positive experience. I began by reading Dr. Phillion’s website which offered detailed information on the trip, and researching Zamorano University on the Internet. I was reassured to learn many Purdue students study at Zamorano University, and exchange programs between the two universities were already in place. In addition, I learned the Purdue students would be teaching in private schools outside the city of Tegucigalpa, as well two public schools beyond the city. The Purdue students would travel together with a native teacher who knew the safe areas of Tegucigalpa.

Unfortunately, the public schools are very poor and lacking in supplies. Before leaving for Honduras, Rebecca and I planned to get needed supplies for the teachers and students. Rebecca spoke to my sixth graders at Woodside Middle School while using a power point presentation about Honduras. She explained how poor the region is and asked for any donations of school supplies the students could bring. We had an overwhelming response, and each Purdue student carried a bag full of supplies to Honduras!

Finally, communication with Rebecca in Honduras was good. She e-mailed daily from Alison Bixby Stone School, and she called us when she was in Tegucigalpa. I was at ease knowing Rebecca was safe and enjoying the trip.

In summary, I was pleased with Rebecca's study abroad experience. Dr. Phillion prepared the students well for their visit. Rebecca's immersion into Honduran culture heightened her awareness of third world countries and the difficult lives many people lead. She also found her ability to listen to and speak in Spanish improved. As a result of her time in Honduras, Rebecca hopes to study abroad during her junior year in Mexico.