CIEE Latin America Fellow Spotlight: Leticia Avila
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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: Leticia Avila
School: College of Lake County
Major: Social Work
LATAM Location: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Q1: What inspired you to apply for the CIEE Leading for Change in Latin America Student Fellowship?
What inspired me to apply for the CIEE Leading for Change in Latin America Student
Fellowship was first seeing the flyer at my college, College of Lake County. I had always heard
about study abroad opportunities, and the idea of traveling the world while also working toward
my dreams of becoming a social worker really caught my attention. Another big inspiration came
from my anthropology class, where I learned about different cultures, religions, and food
traditions. That class made me curious about the world in a deeper way, and it inspired me to
want to step outside of my own environment and experience other cultures for myself.
Watch here: Leticia goes on a weekend trip to Manuel Antonio
Q2: What does receiving this fellowship mean to you personally?
Receiving this fellowship means everything to me. Some people might think that sounds
exaggerated, but I truly do not believe it is. Without this fellowship, I would not have had the
chance to be where I am today. It feels surreal, and I feel beyond blessed. This opportunity is
about growth in every way: academically, spiritually, physically, and mentally. I know I will meet
wonderful people, gain new knowledge, and take advantage of every single moment.
Q3: What excites you most about studying abroad in Latin America?
What excites me most about studying abroad in Latin America is the nature and the culture. I
am eager to experience the food, meet the people, and have conversations with others,
including fellow students. I want to learn how people think, to see life from their perspective, and
to connect in meaningful ways. I also look forward to grounding myself in nature, learning about
the environment, observing the birds, and noticing all the little details that remind us of who we
are.
Watch here: Leticia visits El Tigre Waterfalls
Q4: What do you hope to learn during your semester abroad academically, culturally, or personally?
During my semester abroad, I hope to learn in many different areas academically, culturally,
and personally. Academically, I want to continue building on what I have been studying, such as
human biology, sustainable agriculture, and nature photography. These classes have already
opened my eyes in new ways, and photography especially has become a personal passion I
want to carry with me when I return home. Culturally, I want to deepen my Spanish and notice
how it differs from the Spanish I have heard in Mexico. I also want to understand more about
Costa Rican people, including how families live, how the economy works, and what daily life looks like for them. Personally, I see this experience as a chance to grow in understanding, not only of others but also of myself.
Something that also intrigues me is learning more about sustainable practices and applying
them to my own life. It goes beyond just recycling. I would love to one day have a farm, and the
skills I learn here can help me build that vision. I want to take these lessons and apply them not
only to my daily living but also to bigger projects in the future, where I can contribute to creating
healthier and more sustainable communities.
Q5: What does “leading for change” mean to you?
To me, leading for change means being willing to stand apart from the crowd. It is about being
the one who questions, who wants to grow, and who is not afraid to point out what is wrong in
the system. Leading for change requires the courage to adapt, to evolve, and to push for
something better, not only for yourself but also for the people around you. It also means carrying
the lessons you have learned and using them to help others, whether through education,
community service, or a career path like social work. For me, it is not only about seeing the
need for change but also about stepping forward to be part of it.
Become a Latin America Student Fellow
Your turn to make an impact in Latin America starts here – apply for the CIEE Leading Change in Latin America Student Fellowship today!