When I arrived at Jicamarca Radio Observatory, it was immediately evident just how hard-working and dedicated the scientists and engineers here are. Efforts to upgrade the main radar array and improve its data acquisition systems are ongoing, and other exciting experiments are continually being deployed. I worked with scientists and engineers at the facility to plan and execute a new meteor radar experiment, which was an unparalleled hands-on experience that I would recommend to any doctoral student pursuing research involving Jicamarca data. The data I collected has been extremely useful for my PhD research, and I already have a journal paper in progress that uses this data. Outside of the laboratory, it’s been an incredible opportunity to learn about Peruvian culture and gain the unique perspective that is granted via international travel. In the margins of time when I was not observing meteors at Jicamarca, I went on trips to Machu Picchu, the Amazon jungle, and Arequipa, making for the most exciting travels of my life. This is in addition to exploring the rich culture of Lima, which includes top-tier restaurants, museums, and the kindest people I’ve met. Although I’ve still got a long way to go to achieve Spanish proficiency, I can attest that if you did take Spanish in middle or high school, this program is a fantastic way to practice.