Heather Latter
Local Confederation College students Kristina Webb and Sherry Sinclair will embark on the “opportunity of a lifetime” this May and June as they travel to Santiago, Chile and Florianópolis, Brazil as part of a summer studies program through the school.
“There was an e-mail sent out about the program and we found out about it two days before the deadline,” noted Webb.
But since both were very interested in the opportunity to study in Latin America, the pair quickly filled out the application, wrote the required essays, and went through an interview process.
Then about two weeks ago, they were notified they were among the 20 participants in the program.
“And we’re the first-ever in the region to be chosen to do something like this through the college,” Sinclair added.
The pair will spend four weeks in each country learning about the culture, food, and language.
“We will be studying Spanish and Portuguese,” Webb explained, noting one of their instructors at the college knows some Spanish and will be helping them get started with the language before they leave on their excursion.
The students will spend about four hours, five days a week in school while they are in the Latin American countries, and they also will be volunteering in the cities.
“We’ll also be teaching English and building schools,” Webb added.
“There are a lot of poorer regions, so we’re going to get involved and help out.”
In addition, they hope to do some sight-seeing, perhaps visiting Easter Island, and seeing some volcanos and penguins.
While the summer studies program was available to any full-time students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, the pair said heading to Chile and Brazil will benefit them when they return for their second year of the Protection Security and Investigation (PSI) program at Confederation College this fall.
“The diversity in the world is just crazy, so to incorporate yourself in a different culture, as well as a different language, is just awesome,” Webb enthused.
“And it’s needed in this changing world.”
The PSI program prepares students for a career in a variety of security fields, such as border security, correctional services, and security in the private sector.
“I think it will be a great learning experience, great life experience,” Webb added, citing her ultimate career goal is to become a medical injury lawyer.
Sinclair, on the other hand, hopes to further her education in university, perhaps to study law.
Both students received a scholarship to participate in the summer studies program, which covers about one-third of their expenses.
Tuition to INACAP Chile University of Technology in Santiago and the Federal University of Santa Catarina in Florianópolis is free, but Webb and Sinclair are required to cover all travel, accommodation, and living expenses, estimated at $3,000-plus.
They will be sharing an apartment with other students while in Chile and will live host families in Brazil.
However, they are fundraising to help garner some of the funds needed for the trip. The pair held a barbecue at Canadian Tire on Saturday, as well as a spaghetti supper and silent auction at the East End Hall yesterday evening.
“The community has been so generous and so supportive,” said Webb.
“We’re very thankful to everyone who bought tickets and made donations,” echoed Sinclair.
Both are very excited for the opportunities that lie ahead of them in South America.
“I’m just excited for everything,” remarked Sinclair, noting she’s never done anything like this before.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” added Webb.
She indicated several friends and family members have travelled abroad in the past, so she’s been getting some travel advice and tips.
The pair has been doing a lot of research about the countries, as well, such as their governments, social standards, and indigenous people.
They also are thinking about helping out with the Rainforest Alliance while there.
“It’s just going to be the experience of a lifetime,” Webb enthused.
Upon returning to Fort Frances at the end of June, she noted they may be able to offer some lessons in Spanish and Portuguese for anyone wanting to learn.
They also are planning to maintain a blog while there for anyone who would like to stay informed about what they are doing in Chile and Brazil.
Anyone wishing to make a donation for their travels, studies, and volunteer work is invited to contact Webb at 274-0989 or to stop by the main office at Confederation College here weekdays between 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
