Before applying to Rice, I saw a course description for an art history/film/Spanish class class called “Trends in Cuban Culture” and dreamed of taking it one day. Then when the opportunity came during the spring semester of my sophomore year to take the class, I seized the chance and ended up spending my spring break in Cuba. This was my first experience studying abroad and only my second time out of the country. One of the most memorable experiences of my life, we literally traveled the entire island that week — going from Santiago de Cuba to Havana and then all the way to Valle de Viñales. In Havana, we toured the Escuelas de Bellas Artes and went horseback riding… I even met someone that I had read about in a book about Cuba!

The day before I left for Cuba, I submitted an application to study abroad in Quito, Ecuador for the upcoming fall semester. My study abroad advisor, Yahaira (the best!), helped me find the right program and complete the applications. Soon after returning home, I learned that I had been accepted into the IES direct enrollment program with a local university in Quito. I lived in Quito from August until December. I took five classes at the local university, traveled, and lived with a host family.

One of my favorite experiences during that semester was the four-day trip that we took to the Galápagos Islands — standing on a beautiful beach with a view of crystal blue waters was absolutely breathtaking. On the academic side of things, Rice’s direct enrollment aspects also allowed me to take classes on subjects like coastal Ecuadorian anthropology and Ecuadorian history, and I also improved my Spanish since I was using the language daily. My host mom was incredible and introduced me to all of her family and friends. She taught me about Ecuadorian traditions, foods and much more. Although I definitely missed home, it was an unforgettable experience and greatly enriched my education.

From start to finish, Yahaira and other staff from the study abroad office regularly checked in with me and helped guide me through these experiences. If you are a student at Rice, the Office of Study Abroad is an invaluable resource. My study abroad experiences have been an essential part of my Rice education, and I am grateful for the memories that I’ve made.

-Annie, Wiess ‘25 (Published on 2/25/2025)