Day 9: Hasta Luego!

We can hardly believe that this whirlwind week has come to an end! Today is the day we pack our bags and travel -- by bus, by plane, by shuttle -- back to Purdue University. The students spent the morning reflecting on the many things they learned through this trip in a group discussion format. We all shared key takeaways regarding healthcare delivery, public health initiatives, tourism, culture shock, and lifelong lessons from the DR. Coming together to reflect on our experiences served as a reminder of just how far we have all come in this short time. Our study abroad will undoubtedly continue to impact our personal, professional, and academic pursuits for years to come. 

How lucky we were to have such kind, loving, patient, and trusting in-country hosts. John (left), Eduardo (middle), and Juan (right) taught us everything ranging from Dominican history, culture, and food to encouraging us with motivational words and impromptu speeches. Their powerful and enlightening words will have a long-lasting impact on our lives, just like the relationships that we fostered will be remembered and cherished forever. We are so grateful to have been touched by the warm, comforting Dominican spirit. It was a tearful bus ride back to the airport as we said our goodbyes to our amazing tour guides. This week has touched our lives more than we could have imagined. As we touch down on American soil, we are confident this is not a goodbye, but a see you later. 

Throughout this week, we have done our best to keep you informed on all our exciting adventures through our blog. While wifi can foster connection, it can also be a distraction and prevent us from experiencing our lives in the moment. We would like to leave you with this final message, which was posted in our farewell dinner restaurant: We don't have wifi. Talk with each other. In travels and in life, don't be afraid to unplug and look around. Our time in the DR proved that human connection is most genuine when it doesn't happen through a screen.

This post was composed by Sydney Rivera and Chandler Dykstra, the program teaching assistants. Thank you for your interest in our blog and trip!