CIEE Latin America Fellow Spotlight: Olivia Bohl
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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: Olivia Bohl
School: Northern Michigan University
Major: Spanish and International Studies
LATAM Location: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Q1: What inspired you to apply for the CIEE Leading for Change in Latin America Student Fellowship?
I fell in love with Latin America when I first traveled to Mexico in 2021. Since then, along with going back to Mexico twice, I have traveled to Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, and this is my third time in Costa Rica (I will be returning a fourth time in February). Something about Latin America and its shared heartbeat, combined with the unique beauty and struggles of every country is just so beautiful to me. I saw this fellowship, and thought it was perfect. I already loved Latin America, and combined with my passion for photography and social media, it was kind of a no-brainer, to be honest. But I didn’t think I would actually get the fellowship, so that was a pleasant surprise, and for that I’m so grateful.
Watch here: Olivia visits the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Q2: What does it mean to you to engage with Latin America as a “learner” rather than a “visitor”?
To me, I’ve always valued being a traveler vs. a tourist. I think when you get out of your comfort zone and really immerse yourself in a new culture, adapting to their customs and experiencing everyday life, it makes all the difference. It can be humbling and even frustrating at times, but you really do learn so much more when you are willing to be flexible and open-minded instead of expecting them to cater to you. I think we can learn a lot from other cultures, and every time I travel, I go with that mindset – I’m not here to “teach” or “show” them something; I’m here to be taught and shown.
Q3: How do you hope your language skills develop/grow while living in Latin America?
I hope to leave Costa Rica feeling confident about my Spanish-speaking skills, with a whole bunch of new vocabulary under my belt along with some local slang. My conversational Spanish is decent, but I always have more to learn, and I want to improve on my confidence in speaking.
Q4: How do you think learning a new language can change the way you see the world?
It requires a lot of time, patience, and consistency to learn and grow in speaking a new language. It gives you more freedom in communicating with people across the world, depending on which one you choose to learn. Like traveling, it challenges you as a person to learn and grow, and develops a skill that can be used in so many aspects of life. It definitely gives you more of an appreciation for anyone who learns a second language. And honestly, there is no greater satisfaction than being able to understand and communicate with someone in a completely different language. I still get excited when I feel confident in my ability to speak with someone in Spanish.
Watch here: Olivia explores the Bat Jungle in Monteverde
Q5: What parting advice do you have for other students who want to apply for this opportunity for spring 2026?
Just do it. Take the leap of faith. You won't regret it. Every single country in Latin America has something different to offer, but they’re all connected by a shared language and history. It’s really cool to see all the different cultures encompassed by the Spanish language, and how it differs from country to country in dialect, accent, slang, and more. It definitely is scary to take a big step like studying abroad, but it is so, so fulfilling and will grow you in ways you never could have imagined. Embracing vulnerability and discomfort is key.
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!