By Jorge Brizuela, Paraguay
To Boston
After a few weeks living in Amherst, this trip to Boston has definitely shape my view on cultural dynamics. Personally, I felt overwhelmed by the contrast in lifestyle of both cities. Boston made a change in perspectives of the diversity. I would say that it made me become aware of the historical events that the city share with the country. Professionally and academically, visiting Boston has made me connect the dots of the American history that shape the United States. I could understand how important this place has been for the expansion of the country’s territory.
Visiting the JF Kennedy Library connects me with the magnificent work that the former president has done for the country. It was an eye-opening tour which embrace the love that Kennedy had for the US.
This trip will certainly help me to have an empirical opinion on what the city, its background and people have made for the identity of the US. I will be able to enjoy and build rapport with my students and colleagues who have already visited Boston.
The ferry trip in Boston is the best experience so far. Though I am not a person who enjoy being in water, it made me have a wonderful landscape of the city. Taking pictures, sharing jokes and comments with my SUSI friends made it even much better. Of course, walking around the city and learning about the Freedom Trail adds more knowledge in this adventure.
Though the night is still young, the adventures continues with all the SUSI participants. Can’t wait to know what’s gonna happen!
New York
Today was an incredible day in New York with our SUSI group, packed with memorable experiences that left a lasting impact on me in so many different ways. We saw the change of the peaceful days in Ahmerst to the vibrant and diverse culture of New York City.
Visiting the United Nations was a profound experience. Walking through the halls where world leaders discuss global issues gave me a deep sense of global citizenship.
Understanding the complexities of international diplomacy and seeing firsthand how policies are shaped at a global level will greatly influence my approach to teaching. It underscored the importance of integrating global perspectives into my curriculum to prepare students for a more interconnected world.
The visit to the UN broadened my knowledge of international relations and global governance. It provided real-world examples that I can use to illustrate concepts in my lectures, making them more tangible and engaging for my students.The United Nations tour has highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
One important lesson I learned today is the power of dialogue and cultural exchange. At the United Nations, I saw how nations come together to resolve conflicts and build a better future. This is a message I am excited to share with my students and colleagues in Paraguay: the importance of open dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration in solving problems, whether at a local or global level.
The day’s events were significant for several other reasons. Time Square, with its vibrant energy, showcased the cultural diversity and dynamism of New York City. The Broadway show “Moulin Rouge” was a testament to the power of the arts in storytelling and cultural expression.
My favorite moment of the day was watching “Moulin Rouge” on Broadway. The performance was breathtaking, a perfect blend of dazzling visuals, powerful music, and compelling storytelling. It was a reminder of how the arts can transcend language and cultural barriers, evoking emotions and sparking conversations that can lead to greater understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Overall, today was a day of immense learning and inspiration. It reinforced the value of global perspectives, cultural appreciation, and the power of education to shape a more inclusive and understanding world. I look forward to bringing these experiences and lessons back to Paraguay to enrich my teaching and inspire my students.
All opinions expressed by the program participants are their own and do not represent nor reflect official views from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, or of the Institute for Training and Development, Inc.
