The Student Collective Volume VIII Online

Study abroad
2021-2022
Equador
Anna Oldenkamp
Exercise Science Major, from Tillamook, Oregon
What was your favorite experience from your time
abroad?
My favorite experiences during my time abroad were all the
moments I was able to explore the beautiful country of Ecuador
alongside some of my closest friends that I met through my
semester abroad. Through traveling and living in a different
country, with a unique culture that is very different from that of
the US, I gained a whole new appreciation and perspective for
God’s creation, both through the people He created in the likeness
of His image and through the breathtaking pieces of nature that
emanate His presence.
How did your time abroad contrast with your other
semesters at Fox?
As a senior, I look back at the last eight semesters of my college
career with fondness of the memories that I have made and
gratitude for the friends that I made them with. This is especially
true for my semester abroad. My time living in Ecuador will
forever be a highlight of, not only my four years at George
Fox, but my life as well, as this was truly a once in a lifetime
experience.
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What’s the most important thing you learned in your time abroad?
The most important thing I learned during my time abroad is the art of intentionality. This can come
in many different forms: intentionally pouring into the people you care most about; intentionally
seeking God’s kingdom on a daily basis; intentionally learning about a culture or people that share both
differences and similarities to your own; or intentionally speaking a language foreign to you, even if that
means embarrassing yourself time and time again. Although I am far from perfect at this practice, I have
grown tremendously and I believe that both my relationship with God and my relationships with others
are a true reflection of this growth.
Feel free to share anything else about your time abroad:
Thank you to the Study Abroad office, specifically Lynn Scott and David Martinez, who made it possible
to study abroad amidst COVID-19. It was a semester I will never forget and I am beyond grateful for the
experience.
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