Megan Anderson, senior business student at the University of Washington, spent three months on a foreign exchange to Mexico last year. Anderson, a descendant of CIRI shareholder Mary Koenigs, describes her time in Mexico as the most amazing experience of her life. Upon her return, Megan said, “A three-day hike to the highest point of the Baja mountain range, coaching a kids’ soccer team, dancing in La Paz, studying by the beach, all of these things were just another day in Mexico. Class became so much more pertinent when the subject matter was my new home, my new friends or the language in which I had to communicate. As I was immersed in Mexican culture, I was also able to learn more about my own cultural identity in contrast and similarity. While studying abroad, I learned the most important lessons in my college career. Most people never give themselves this incredible opportunity. There is no better time than when you’re a student to live in another country, get academic credit and travel the world. It dramatically changed my goals and how I view my life and I can only hope that others are able to have this unique experience as well.”

Megan’s tips for study ing abroad: