Yajaira is the program advisor for the San Sebastián, Valencia, and Bilbao, Spain programs.
Hola! I was born in Anahiem, California and raised in Reno, Nevada. In 2016, I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Spanish and in 2018, I graduated with my Master’s degree in Equity and Diversity in Education (Go Pack). As someone who is passionate about living life beyond borders and education, I cannot imagine working anywhere else!
Where did you study abroad?
San Sebastián, Spain
What’s your favorite memory from your time abroad?
Too many, to only pick one! I’d say some of my favorites were having dinner with my USAC classmates at Petritegi Sagardotegia, a cider house in Gipuzkoa, Spain, getting to know my sweet landlord in San Sebastián, and backpacking through Europe after my program.
What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled?
Most recently, I got to travel to la Isla Holbox (Hol-Bosh) in Quintana Roo, Mexico and I fell madly in love with it. Although our journey to the island included a flight, a two-hour car ride and a ferry, it was completely worth it. The island is beautiful, the locals are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met, and the beaches are breathtaking. Some of my favorite days there were spent beaching, kayaking, chasing the sunset on a golf cart (of course, there are no cars on the island) and volunteering at the Refugio Animal Holbox (Holbox Animal Shelter). There were also super cool murals all over the island!
If you could go on any USAC program, what would it be and why?
I would choose Santiago, Chile or Florianópolis, Brazil. First, because I have never been to South America and second because they offer some interesting courses such as Chilean History in Chile and Latin American Social Inequalities in Brazil. I don’t believe there’s a better way to learn about these topics, than in the countries themselves!
What is a weird fact about you?
I have a Megan Fox thumb on my left hand (a quick Google search will show you what this means). I inherited it from my maternal grandmother and only 3 people in my family other than my grandmother have them, so it’s more special than weird if you ask me….
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