When I was a small child, the US was backing the El Salvador government in a war against everyday Salvadorans who were tired of the abuses of their government. Advocacy was vital to the process of the US stopping our funding of this war and the peace accords that followed. In 2013 I had the pleasure of traveling there, learning more about what had happened and partnering with a community that was working to rebuild a school that had been...
When I started medical school, one of my top priorities was finding a program that would allow me to do a rotation abroad in a meaningful and productive way. I have always had a passion for Spanish and a deep curiosity for other cultures. In my opinion, the absolute best way to both learn and contribute is through complete immersion in the language, the communities, and the system. CoCoDA offered all of these opportunities. Upon our arrival to La Mora,...
I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for the Global Health Electore trip to El Salvador, but I wanted to learn more Spanish and submerged myself into the culture, something I never got the opportunity to do. It was an amazing experience learning about the rich history of El Salvador and seeing how beautiful San Salvador was initially. Then we arrived to La Mora and all the families welcomed us with open arms and treated us...
It was an honor and pleasure to spend February in the clinics and communities of Suchitoto and La Mora. From making traditional salvadoran food with my host family, to exploring the beautiful streets of Suchitoto, to touring sites of the civil war with survivors. I have learned so much about the rich, vibrant culture here as well as the violent conflict and the role of my country. I can't thank enough my host family and other community members for their...
El Salvador is a country of resilience, strength and love. The people of this country have taught me that life is not easy but that you have to always face adversity and keep your head up. The land is not only beautiful but the hearts of the Salvadorians are big and open to welcome those that want to learn. They do not shy away from their history but instead share how mistakes have been made and how they want to...
My time in El Salvador has been an unforgettable experience. During this trip with CoCoDA, I have had the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of El Salvador, enjoy its natural beauty, and practice Spanish, both with the Pájaro Flor Spanish School and with the people I have met along the way. Not only have I gotten to learn about the Salvadoran healthcare system through weekly clinical rotations with local physicians, but I have also gained even more...