Alpha Chi's Abroad

Eryn Dixon, Alumni
Major: Psychology 
Studied Abroad in Santiago, Chile

Hi y’all! I’m Eryn and I’ve been a part of Alpha Chi sorority since Spring 2015. Throughout my semesters with the sorority I’ve met so many amazing women. I had the wonderful experience of living in the house and becoming even closer to my housemates. During the 2017 Fall semester, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Santiago, Chile. I was sad to leave the sisterhood for a semester but excited to create memories that would never be forgotten. I traveled up and down Chile and even went up into Peru for a little bit. While my time abroad will never be forgotten or regretted, I missed my sisters immensely. I am happy to be back in Chico and to be a part of an amazing sisterhood once again.

​In AX & In Mine Eryn Spring '15

 Jocelyn Valadez, Alumni
Major:  Kinesiology, Spanish and Anthropology 
Studied Abroad in Costa Rica

Summer of 2017 I studied abroad to Costa Rica. Studying abroad really helped me find myself, this trip was an amazing experience and I hope one day I can study abroad more. In Costa Rica I took a Spanish class, I had two amazing professors who taught me so much and helped me improve my Spanish. I also took an intercultural communication class and I have never took a class that helped me understand how different cultures are and societies. I lived with an amazing host family and to this day we still keep in contact with.  Throughout the trip we traveled around Costa Rica. One of my highlights was going to a place called La Paz there we walked around and there was such beautiful waterfalls. But the best part of that trip was seeing sloths. I absolutely love sloths so yes I cried when I finally saw one in real life. Traveling around with the group of students that soon became my closest friends was always a highlight. We also went to a beach called Manuel Antonio and the water was so blue and beautiful. Throughout this trip we went to many places and I can talk and talk about my trip this trip would not have happened if my spanish professor did not convince me and I am forever grateful.

​¡Pura Vida!
Jocelyn Valadez

Elian Lopez, Alumni
Major: Social Work
Studied Abroad in Bangalore, India

What better way to test your independence and courage than to experience life abroad as a college student? That is exactly what I did my Junior year when I decided to live in India for the 2015-2016 academic year. I participated in courses related to my Social Work major such as Caste, Class, and Gender in India, Contemporary Political and Economic Issues in South Asia among many others. I also pursued my Child Development minor by taking a Service Learning course that allowed me to do voluntary work within the slum communities specifically with children and youth. Not only did I volunteer in the local day care, but I also got to create lesson plans and teach English and American culture to children and adolescents within the community. While I took my studies very seriously, I definitely made room for fun courses such as Bollywood Dance and Yoga to test my rhythmic abilities. When I wasn't in class or doing community service, I was traveling around India either with friends or on my own. I traveled and immersed myself in the beautiful culture of India every chance I got. From getting lost in the tuk-tuks to witnessing the magnificence of the Taj Mahal, I had the most incredible time studying abroad that I could have ever dreamed of. As soon as I returned to Chico, I continued my time in Alpha Chi and made countless more memories with my beautiful sisters. Their support and encouragement has played a key role in my overall success and happiness throughout my college career. I look forward to graduating and continuing lifelong friendships with such wonderful women! 

​In Ax and Mine, Elian Lopez Fall '13