(Image Credit: Medicine Hat College Facebook)

By Jett Schwaier

MEDICINE HAT COLLEGE

Medicine Hat College students returned from studying abroad in Peru through the UMAP program

Mar 3, 2026 | 4:45 PM

Three Medicine Hat College students have spent reading week in Peru through the University Mobility in Asia and the Pacific (UMAP) program, gaining international business experience.

The program promotes student mobility and cross-cultural learning through academic exchanges and short-term study experiences around the world.

Tara Holland, a first-year Social Work student; Janine Zuniga, a first-year Bachelor of Education student; and Barrett Long, a first-year Addictions Counselling student, were each awarded a $3,500 scholarship to participate in the 10-day study abroad opportunity.

The scholarship covered most expenses, including flights, accommodations and meals, making the experience financially accessible for the students.

Holland said the program offered valuable hands-on business learning in a different cultural setting.

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“My biggest takeaway was just the cultural learnings from Canada versus Peru, the communication styles, I just came back with a greater appreciation of living in a developed country,” Holland said.

“The communication styles, versus direct and indirect was a learning curve for me,” she added.

“I’m more used to North American communication style, whereas in Peru, it was indirect communication style.”

Holland said Peruvian speakers often gave broader, more indirect responses compared with the more direct and straightforward communication style she is used to in North America.

Overall, Holland said that the experience strengthened her resume ahead of next year’s practicum placement and future career in social work.

Zuniga described the trip as both educational and personally rewarding.

“I made a lot of good connections with people that both live in Peru and just live in different parts of Canada,” Zuniga said.

Zuniga said the most memorable experiences had been Peruvian cuisine, adjusting to different driving norms and gaining a broader understanding of global perspectives, including seasonal differences in the Southern Hemisphere.

Long said the program broadened his cultural awareness and strengthened his communication skills.

“It was a great cultural experience, and there was lots of good food and hospitality,” Long said.

“There were definitely some difficult experiences that taught me patience and effort.”

All three students said they were grateful for the scholarship support and the opportunity to represent Medicine Hat College internationally.