CIEE Latin America Fellow Spotlight: Julia Hanson
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Meet the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellows!
Follow along as CIEE 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: Julia Hanson
School: University of Kansas
LATAM Location: Mérida, Mexico
Q1: What does receiving this Fellowship mean to you personally?
As cliche as it sounds, receiving this fellowship allowed my dreams to come true. I’m meeting the kindest people while exploring the beautiful city of Mérida, Mexico. I’m half Mexican but haven’t spent much time in Mexico before this semester. This fellowship is allowing me to feel better connected with my culture and my family.
Swipe here: Julia shares 7 things she wishes she knew before studying abroad in Mexico
Q2: How do you hope your language skills develop/grow while living in Latin America?
I’ve studied Spanish for years but am lacking the fluidity and real-world experience that is crucial when learning a language. My grandma, who only speaks Spanish, called me after a month of me being here. We were able to have a meaningful conversation for the first time ever. I hung up the phone and felt so proud.
Q3: How do you think learning a new language can change the way you see the world?
Learning a new language teaches you a lot about kindness– the way someone is willing to help or speak your language even in their country. Truly, friendships and connections transcend language. I’ve made good friends that I speak broken Spanish to, and we still connect deeply.
Q4: What does “leading for change” mean to you?
Leading change means creating content that shows how multifaceted and beautiful Latin America is. Us students from around the U.S. get to post the people and places we encounter, adding to positive discussion about Latin America. We need that now more than ever.
Watch here: Julia takes a Salsa class at the CIEE Mérida center
Q5: What parting advice do you have for other students who want to apply for this opportunity for spring 2026?
Studying abroad in Latin America can be intimidating, but there is truly no comparable experience. There’s a warm embrace waiting for you in Latin America if you choose to go.
Study Abroad in Latin America
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