SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — El Salvador is not a tourist destination. In 2015, it was given the title of most dangerous country in the world outside of a war zone. It is notoriously plagued with violent gangs, the two most prevalent of which are the La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 (18th Street gang). But are the gangs solely responsible for the violent climate in El Salvador? It is easy to condemn the trope of the tattooed, gun-wielding gang members as nothing more than purveyors of senseless evil. But the reality of their existence and their struggles goes back decades. In…
Author: Kayla Provencher
Kayla Provencher
Kayla is from Saratoga Springs, NY. Her academic interests include Anthropology and English. Kayla hass a miniature antique library in my room.
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is known largely for its beaches, volcanoes and wildlife. However, away from the bustling tourism industry, new groups of people are coming to Costa Rica, and they aren’t there for the surf. Recently, the country has become a haven for tens of thousands of refugees. Costa Rica’s welcoming reputation makes the country a popular destination for migrants. Human rights are a priority in Costa Rica, and the country sets an example for how to act when facing a refugee influx. Furthermore, traveling to Costa Rica is far less dangerous and costly than traveling to…