Jaqueline (Jaq) Burress ‘09

Jaq Burress is a senior International Relations major and Spanish minor who spent a spring semester abroad in Santiago, Chile with SIT.

Studying abroad taught me important life skills ...the ability to use very little resources, accommodate yourself to a new culture, and how to be a good representative of your country.

Where did you study abroad?
I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile.

When was this?
Spring of 2008.

Why did you choose to study abroad?
I made a commitment to myself that while I was in college I was going to take advantage of any opportunity that I could, so when I heard about the Laurel Fellowship, I knew that I could find a way to fund study abroad.

What did you speak?
Spanish.

What did you study?
I studied economic development and globalization. We had the chance to hear professors from several universities... so we got a multitude of perspectives.  We also traveled around the country, and we took excursions and saw how Chile’s economic miracle is only true for certain areas of Chile, particularly for certain areas of Santiago...I was lucky to see all aspects of it. 

What was a personal challenge you had to overcome?
Living in a foreign country! I think the language barrier was the biggest hurdle. I was surprised by how quickly I picked it up by simply living in a foreign country. I would also say perhaps the hardest part of going abroad is coming back home.

What next?
I’d like to go into the Peace Corps, and my ultimate career goal is to be a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. Teach for America is my second choice.