‘This is a Vibe’: Gerardo Pina Journeys to Jordan
One day Gerardo Pina was on campus chatting with a friend when the subject of study abroad came up. Raised for most of his life in the United States with very minimal international travel, Gerardo had always thought studying abroad would be fun, but this pivotal conversation inspired him to submit an application. He applied for the Early Fall Start program, Engineering Jordan: Water in an Arid Land. This UW-led program would consist of about 20 other UW students partnered with students and professors at Jordan University for Science and Technology (JUST). Gerardo was a first-year student at the time he applied and was thrilled when he received his notice of acceptance. After hesitating over logistics, he decided to commit, not knowing quite what to expect or how it would turn out. Half a year later, Gerardo found himself traipsing through the desert and discussing methods for addressing water scarcity while making memories he is convinced will stick with him forever.
First Steps Always the Hardest
Gerardo feels that the hardest part is sometimes just getting started. He broke the process down into baby steps and realized that it wouldn’t hurt to apply and then take the necessary steps from there. Gerardo worked multiple summer jobs to save money and insisted that his personal funding and applying to scholarships along with his “motivation and passion to explore the world beat fear of debt.” He recommends befriending someone accustomed to traveling so that they can provide advice and assistance throughout the application process and while abroad. He built a support network through his UW and newfound Jordanian friendships. He contacted family and friends back home less frequently but consistently to keep them updated on his adventures.
Adjusting to Life On The Other Side of the World
Gerardo filled his downtime utilizing the university facilities, playing board games with friends, and exploring local venues. In addition to classes and field work, they took trips to the Dead Sea and Red Sea and explored the Wadi Rum landscape. Gerardo’s favorite dish was a traditional national Jordanian meal called Mansaf, which is lamb cooked in a yoghurt sauce and served with rice or bulgur. Gerardo discovered how similar American and Jordanian cultures are. One of his close friends Muneer was interested in similar songs and movies as him. Gerardo learned how to say thank you in Arabic, and recounted how open and easy it was to communicate with his Jordanian classmates. He also taught his friends some slang and one day they ventured out to visit Petra, and after hiking in the blazing sun to a viewpoint one of his Jordanian mates put a recent slang lesson to use by asking “is that a vibe?” when gesturing at the sacred monument. Gerardo laughed, sharing a moment of gratitude for connecting with these people and places on the other side of the world. He keeps in touch with his international peers via messaging and social media and hopes to reconnect with them one day when he goes back to visit.
It Actually Applies!
Gerardo was surprised to have been accepted to the program as a first-year student and he would encourage anyone to apply regardless of how deep into a major they find themselves. He successfully followed the course during his time abroad and it just so happened that this program fit perfectly into a degree in Material Science Engineering. They focused heavily on civil structures and how to facilitate potable water through alternative systems which were more efficient and modified for the context of Jordan. His biggest takeaway from the program structure was how thorough and applicable it was. Jordan is a water scarce country, and Gerardo found that tackling this particular issue can be applied everywhere; professionals from multiple disciplines including scientists, engineers, and researchers came together to share ideas and bring their findings back to their home countries. Besides making lifelong friends and eating good food, Gerardo felt that his studies, which looked at civil and environmental concerns, coupled with time spent constructing plans to improve water access by collaborating with local and global communities made his involvement in the program meaningful.
No Regrets
Gerardo often reflects on his time in Jordan; water supply and friendships are constantly on his mind and he relates to studying abroad with a sense of accomplishment. His response to why study abroad is important was that “it expands your perception about the world. You get to see something from a new culture and this builds bridges.” This experience enthused Gerardo to continue traveling in the future and he is already looking forward to the next study abroad opportunity.