The requirement of studying abroad as a Spanish major was one of the best experiences of my life. During my time with the Wheaton in Costa Rica program through GPS, my views of culture were challenged and I learned more deeply the importance of viewing culture with complexity and seeing cultural conclusions as far more nuanced and complicated than they might appear to be at first. Worshipping with Christians from a different context was incredible and showed me if I only stay within the norms in my own culture I can lose out on learning so much from other Christians, both from Christians in other countries and from those in my own culture that may have had different experiences than my own.
This program through GPS was an incredible opportunity to learn and the lessons that I learned are ones that I hope to continue practicing in the future!