1. How would you evaluate Lasco’s efforts to prepare for her Ecuadorian experience by studying the language and culture of Ecuador? How can such efforts help her to achieve her objective of entering the culture “ready to learn and engage” and “with realistic expectations about my experience”? Were there other actions she could have undertaken to prepare for her experience?

2. Despite Lasco’s efforts to prepare herself prior to departure, she notes that she still experienced culture shock, both within the host country and subsequently upon her return to the United States. Do you think such experiences are typical? Is there anything she could have done to avoid culture shock? How well do you think she responded once she found herself experiencing culture shock, in terms of coming to grips with it and engaging in constructive responses? 

Katie Lasco discusses her career goal to integrate the study and practice of sustainability with her business career objectives, and how she could use an internship with a sustainability focus in Ecuador to enhance her experience and career opportunities.