Olá! Hello! Hola! My name is Karen, and I'm embarking on an exciting adventure in Lisbon, Portugal. My journey has taken me to many places, making me a citizen of the world. Born in Arizona, raised in Mexico for 14 years, and later residing in California and Massachusetts, my most recent endeavor led me to Wellesley College. As a first-generation Latina, attending college has been a significant achievement in my life.
My field of study is education, with a specific goal of becoming an ESL teacher (English as a Second Language). I've had the privilege of working with students who are navigating the complexities of learning English from scratch. My bilingual abilities have proven invaluable in helping these students find a sense of belonging as they adapt to a new environment. My journey to Portugal offers me the opportunity to become fluent in a third language, Portuguese, and better serve my future students by creating a welcoming environment.
Beyond my academic pursuits, I have a few personal passions. I am a beach-lover, I enjoy playing the guitar, running, and surfing, and I have a keen interest in photography and painting. Portugal, with its stunning coastline and vibrant cityscapes, provides the perfect backdrop for my interests, inspiring me to capture its beauty through my lens and on canvas. I'm eager to share my experiences, perspectives, and stories with you as I embark on this journey. Stay tuned for exciting updates!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
