Agustin Vizcaino, junior

From: Quito, Ecuador

Exploring: International affairs and economics

International community: I didn’t want to go to a school where I would be asked “Where in Africa is Ecuador?” That’s not an issue here. Students and faculty know about the world outside the United States, and the college community as a whole is very aware and accepting of other cultures. When you sit down at lunch with your friends, you don’t talk about mundane things—you talk about politics or what’s going on with the latest African conflict. You learn outside the classroom as well as inside. It’s a very constructive, well-rounded, well-balanced learning experience.

Global affairs: I was born in Ecuador, went to high school in Singapore, and have traveled all over, so I wanted a college with a strong international affairs program. Lewis & Clark’s program is very good—very non- U.S. focused. I didn’t want to learn only the U.S. view of the world, but rather all views, all schools of thought. This is exactly what I was looking for.

World views: The International Students of Lewis & Clark (ISLC) hosts an annual International Fair, and this year I was emcee. Dozens of students from around the world modeled their traditional styles of dress and performed dances or songs from their countries. One of my favorites parts of the event was the food—I must have tasted foods from at least 25 countries.

Future directions: My goal is to return to Ecuador to study diplomacy. I want to help my country, and I want to keep traveling and learning about other cultures and places. The life of a diplomat would allow me to do that.

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