91°µÍø

Meet the 91°µÍø Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellows!

Follow along as 91°µÍø sends 100 student leaders on a fully-funded semester abroad through the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Fellowship. In this series, we spotlight Fellows as they immerse themselves in Latin American culture, grow as leaders, and prepare to make an impact worldwide.

Name: Alma Wigzell

School: Western Washington University

Major: Psychology

LATAM Location: Santiago, Chile

Q1: How do you hope your language skills will develop/grow while studying abroad in Latin America?

Having grown up in a household where Spanish was fluent, I never intentionally learned Spanish; my
experience was passive. However, my grammar in Spanish is not perfect, and I speak with an accent.
Additionally, I speak Mexican Spanish, which differs significantly from the Spanish spoken in Chile or
Argentina. One of my goals during my study abroad program is to improve my Spanish grammar and
reading comprehension. Additionally, I hope to diversify my knowledge of Spanish-speaking styles by
learning new words, slang, and formalities according to the cultures I will be a part of.

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Q2: How do you plan to use what you learned abroad to make a difference in your community back
home?

Through being immersed in a new culture, I have come to learn about the history, economy, customs,
traditions, and food of the places I am studying. Back home, I hope to inspire students to visit Latin
American countries by sharing the knowledge I have acquired. I hope that I can be a resource for
underclassmen interested in studying abroad. By answering questions regarding study abroad generally, as well as my personal experience studying in Chile and Buenos Aires.

Q3: How does your personal background or identity shape your interest in Latin America?

Growing up half Mexican, I visited Mexico often. This exposure to my heritage created a love for Latin
culture. I chose to study abroad in Chile and Argentina because I wanted to experience living in a Latin
American country. I was also curious to learn about different parts of Latin America I was not previously
familiar with.

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Q4: In what ways do you hope to grow as a leader during this program?

The study abroad experience has increased my independence and confidence. I came to this study abroad experience without knowing anyone, and for the first time, I had no support group to fall back on. I’m learning to truly enjoy exploring by myself, as well as learning to build my own support group without relying on others. I believe that this new independence gives me a sense of confidence that can make me the type of leader who will inspire other students. I hope I can inspire students back home to throw themselves into the unknown, for the sake of learning and growing.

Become a Latin America Student Fellow

Your turn to make an impact in Latin America starts here – apply for the 91°µÍø Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship today!

APPLY NOW