“I went on a gap year because I wanted to explore the world and get out of my comfort zone. I was deciding between a few options when I heard about Primera Global, and knew immediately this was the option for me! I relished the opportunity to travel around South America and have unique experiences that would shape who I am.

I spent the first month of my semester in South America in Colombia. I spent two weeks in Bogota and two weeks in Medellin volunteering for Teach For Colombia in local elementary schools. I would spend the mornings teaching or visiting a cool charitable organization, then in the evening I would explore the city and hang out with friends from my student residences.

Now, I am in Chile for the next three months with a consulting internship with a company. My job so far has been to help with spreadsheets, reaching out to potential donors, and just helping out wherever I am able to! My current client is a non-profit organization in the north of Chile that is currently working to improve the Tarapacá region. I am going to live in a student residence here for 2 months, and then live with a host family which I am very excited for!

I am super glad that I went with my gut and chose Primera Global over the other fancy, unauthentic cultural immersion experiences, and have already seen how this semester has shaped my life!”

Elijah will start his freshman year at Yale in the Fall of 2025.

During his experience with PrimeraGlobal, Elijah:

• Lived alone in two countries and gained independence
• Learned Spanish and discover the culture of Colombia and Chile
• Gain experience in consulting
• Made great  friends and connections