Written Reflection on Cultural Competence

Mérida BYU Study Abroad

I had the privilege of going on a study abroad based in Merida, Mexico which is a large

city in the Yucatan Peninsula. I got to visit several cenotes which are natural sinkholes

filled with fresh water. Swimming in these cenotes was a unique way to connect with the

culture and history of the area, as cenotes historically had spiritual significance in

ancient Mayan religious practices.

In addition to exploring the cenotes, I visited numerous Mayan ruins, including the iconic

Chichén Itzá, where I learned about the Mayan civilization’s advanced knowledge in

astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. I am in awe of Mayan society and the

cultural pride that permeates the region. I was able to learn of in Mayan history and the

indigenous roots of the locals.

Another aspect of my cultural immersion in Yucatán was visiting the old Spanish

plantations, missions and churches. These colonial era structures, with their mix of

Spanish architecture and local elements, showed me in a very tangible way the

intersection of the Spanish and Mexican cultures.

At Modelo University in Mérida, I studied courses in Mayan history, culture, and

literature, which further enriched my understanding of the region’s culture and identity.

Learning from local professors helped me to understand current issues and gain a

perspective on how the locals understood and experienced their own culture. From

them, I learned of the difficulties of immigration and its dangers and purposes. Not all is

white beaches and palm trees. There are profound difficulties that the locals experience

and I was able to integrate with them and understand more about the challenges they

face.

Madrid, Spain Internship Through BYU

I had the opportunity to do a six-month internship in Madrid, Spain, where I taught

English to elementary and middle school kids. Not only did I get to interact with the

children and their parents, but the I also had much opportunity for travel as well.

I got to travel to several other famous Spanish cities including Valencia, Toledo, and

Segovia. In Valencia, I got to eat some incredible paella, which is a dish that the city is

famous for. Spending time in the world-famous Toledo cathedral and walking the narrow

streets of Toledo, I was able to enjoy the mixture of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish

architectural styles and historical influences. It allowed me to see so much of the

country’s history in different layers simultaneously.

Segovia is known for its huge Roman aqueduct and massive castle that is famous for

inspiring fairytale castles, offering a glimpse into Spain’s Roman and medieval past and

its royal history.

By living in Madrid and traveling to these cities, I learned about Spain’s regionalism, as

well as the impact of the country’s political history, including Franco’s dictatorship, on

contemporary Spanish culture. I was able to experience a flamenco performance which

is about as Spanish as anything gets, and a profound source of national pride. Through

conversations with locals, I gained insights into the struggles for autonomy and regional

identities within Spain itself such as the Basque Country and Catalonia, where political

and linguistic factors define in large way the social and political landscape.

Combining Experiences and Cultural Competence

My experiences on the Mexico and in Madrid allowed me to gain cultural competence in

a unique way. In Yucatan, I learned of Mayan and Mexican society and history. In

Madrid, I immersed myself in the complexities of Spanish culture, with its own rich

historical heritage, regional diversity, and identity. These experiences allowed me to

become more comfortable with ways of life that are very different from my own. I

continue to read in Spanish, watch television in Spanish and travel to Spanish speaking

countries to further my understand of Hispanic and Latino cultures. These cultures have

become an integral part of my identity and find great joy in in exploring them further.