The Partners of the Americas team went on a trip to Colombia this summer and invited Benji Zhang to embark on this journey.

The Partners of the Americas organization is a group that is funded by the U.S. State Department that sends young adults to the United States, Central America and South America in hopes to foster a relationship between these countries. 150 student applications were sent in with hopes of traveling to Colombia on a full ride scholarship. Only 10 students including, Benji Zhang, junior, were chosen to take this opportunity.

The journey started on July 7 when Zhang left for Washington D.C. There he met up with his coordinators and the other nine students from across the U.S who were chosen for this program as well. After a couple days spent in the U.S.’s capital they left to Colombia. While in Colombia they traveled to three cities including Bogota, Barranquilla and Cartagena.

“I like them all [cities]. They are all different. Bogota is cold and Barranquilla and Cartagena are both tropical,” Zhang said. “There was interesting aspects about them.”

While in the cities they took part in community service and touring the cities. Zhang got to take part in a new culture for a few weeks and work along side the people of Colombia.

“Touring the cities was some of the funnest memories. Cartagena is a very historic place where there used to be pirates. I also enjoyed interacting with the people,” Zhang said.

Zhang would encourage anyone who seems even a little interested to take part in this event. He stresses the fact that if you apply you would be able to have a chance for a free trip to a foreign country.

“Definitely apply. It’s a free program and nothing is hindering you from applying,” Zhang said. “It’s something you never forget.”