Marion Boreros — Argentina

Argentina is a country rich with religious culture and influence.

Churches are on every corner and Catholic trinkets such as rosaries and crosses are sold on every street. Religion in Argentina struck me as similar to New Orleans in that a great majority of the people who inhabit both are theoretically Catholic, but not necessarily practicing Catholics. Visitors to Argentina come to understand the religious culture through taking tours of the city and seeing a wide variety of massive cathedrals with architecture dating back one thousand years.

My own spirituality helped keep me connected to my hometown of New Orleans during difficult times throughout my time abroad. Through the advancement of my learning the Spanish language, I came to understand the priests’ homilies in Spanish.

This was an incredible experience for me because as I slowly learned a new language, I could also further engage in the religion that I love and share a profound experience with locals.

Will Maye — Hong Kong

Before I arrived in Hong Kong for my semester abroad, I read that 64 percent of residents do not ascribe to any religion.

I enjoy and take a large part in the Jesuit programs provided by Loyola, so I was wary of temporarily living in a country where a majority of the people were agnostic or atheist. However, religious services are still available in Hong Kong for those who wish to take part in them.

There are currently 81 Catholic churches in the territory, among which was a Catholic chapel on my campus run by a Jesuit priest. This made me feel connected to Loyola when I was so far away, and I appreciated the variety of Catholic branches I found represented in Hong Kong. The locals I met were accepting of those who wanted God in their lives and of those who wished to celebrate religious holidays.

Katherine Collier — New Zealand

The biggest shock I encountered while studying abroad was the lack of religion in every day life.

Although New Zealand natives, or ‘Kiwis’, do celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter, emphasis is not placed on the religious aspect of these celebrations at all, but rather, on sharing a nice meal with immediate family.

For religious holidays in New Zealand, no decorations are put up, no special church services are held and no emphasized prayer or singing occurs.

Knowing and interacting with people who enjoy going to church on a weekly basis and use God as an inspiration in their life is something I cherish about living in the United States and found lacking in my studies abroad.

Brazil

Brazil is the home of 130 million Catholics, making it the largest Catholic community in the world. With that being said, I feel as though Catholicism is more of a tradition among most Brazilians, rather than a religion they actively practice.

The impact of the Catholic culture is evident throughout the city of Rio De Janeiro, with churches on every street corner and people praying and singing hymns in the streets.

The Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado hill acted as a central point to the city, symbolically holding the country together by this incredible and impressive statue. However, this religious influence appeared to be more of a traditional part of their culture rather than a major influence on every day decisions and activities.

I attended a Jesuit University in Brazil which aided in my study abroad experience by making me feel connected to Loyola, but other than that, religion did not play too much of a major role in my study abroad experience. However, the religious landscape of Brazilian society is extremely compelling throughout the country, and continually reminds travelers of the country’s religious roots.