My Experience Abroad

I studied abroad through the Kentucky Institute For International Studies (KIIS). The program is actually at multiple universities throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, and a few more surrounding states. I was fortunate enough to have a great program director who was born in Tanzania. Dr. Mkanta did so much for us, from translating and price negotiations to allowing us to meet the President of Tanzania and working with their outreach programs.There are so many positive experiences I could write about, but I'd just like to highlight a few of my favorite.

One of my favorite places was Mbalamwezi Beach. The beach is fairly quiet with a restaurant nearby. It was a great place for a day of  play or relaxation.

WAMATA, an outreach program sponsored by USAID on the fight against HIV/AIDS was one of the major programs we worked with. The program offered free HIV/AIDS testing, peer group counseling, home-based care, referrals for medicine, and much more to educate and empower those infected with HIV/AIDS. As students, we traveled along on a home-based visit and spoke with patients about treatment, illness, and living conditions. We also had the opportunity to visit a secondary school to spread awareness and prevention.

One of the most impactful things I experienced was an 11 year-old boy starving and deathly sick from HIV found on the side of streets by the orphanage I was working with. Louisa was so weak he could barely stand to walk. A mere skin and bones, all he wanted to do on my visits was rest his head on my lap as a rubbed his stomach to sooth the pain. Other orphans picked on him and told him it wasn't time to sleep. I would have nurtured him back to health and protected him if I could have but before I knew it my time in Tanzania was up and Louisa ended up in the hospital my last week there. Another student asked if I wanted to visit him in the hospital the day before we flew out. Initially I said no, I don’t want to see a sick orphan child in the hospital. Yet, that was every reason to go see him. This was the only thing I had to talk myself into doing the whole trip. Even if it pained me, maybe my presences and support could make it a little easier to someone who had no one. Nearly six months later I can hardly write this without my eyes welling up with tears. All along I was doing my best to help him, but he was helping me.  Louisa is more important to me than he’ll ever know and for that I’m thankful. Thankful these orphans have become my inspiration. I could upload a million pictures of these beautiful kids, but it would never do them or the experience any justice. 

Snorkeling and the safari in Ngorongoro Crater was yet another highlight that you don't want to miss. There's nothing quite like the baby blue Indian Ocean, white sand, and the beautiful creatures living in it. I'd highly recommend both of these for everyone!

 Working with a private and public hospital also helped shine light on just how different our medical system is from Tanzania's. Not only did we learn a lot, but we had very welcoming professionals to help guide us along the way.

Last but not least, I had a great time with my fellow students throughout all these new experiences. It wouldn't have been the same without them. We even had the opportunity to celebrate Independence Day in style. With great food, great company, and traditional conga wear I don't I could have asked for a better fourth of July. 

If anyone has any question I'd be more than happy to help. You can also contact Marshall University's Study Abroad Office or the KIIS program for further information on upcoming trips. Thanks for reading! 

http://www.marshall.edu/study-abroad/  

http://www.kiis.org/go/Tanzania.php

Why Tanzania is the Perfect Destination

There are pros and cons to every destination. However, Tanzania has many attractions that are sure to please a wide spectrum of people. It is a great place for adventurers, beach goers, and history buffs.

From my personal experience, I took more from Tanzania than I did Europe because the U.S. and Europe share more similarities. It was great to see different locations, cultural practices, and meet the most welcoming people. But don't take my word for it, here are just a few reasons why Tanzania is the perfect destination.

Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the world's tallest free-standing mountain and a popular attractions for those brave enough to hike it. Kilimanjaro also has a blend of coffee that is trending across the globe.

Ngorongoro Crater
Ngorongoro Crater is a volcanic crater that is protected as a conservation area. You can meet the Maasai tribe and learn their customs as well as take a safari down into the crater. The breath taking views from above and within the crater are a must see for everyone.

Zanzibar
Zanzibar is home to Stone Town, a World Heritage Site,that was the center for slave trade in the 19th century. It is a functional historic site that has changed very little over the last couple centuries. Prison Island is just off the coast of Stone Town where misbehaved slaves were taken. Zanzibar is also home to the world's largest crab, the coconut crab. With great beaches, snorkeling, and dolphin tours who can blame it?

The People
Traveling to Tanzania gives you the opportunity to meet the most welcoming and friendly natives around. They were inviting and cordial to us everywhere we went. Seeing the different tribes, their attire, and culture as a whole was also a great learning experience.

Five Reasons to Study Abroad

There is no clear cut answer on whether studying  abroad is the right choice for you. It is hard to make a life changing decision that is full of so many unknowns. However, I have yet to meet anyone who says studying abroad hasn't had a positive impact on their lives. Here are just a few benefits of taking a trip of a lifetime!

Career Opportunities
Studying abroad gives you a cutting edge over your colleagues when it comes to starting out in the workforce . It shows independence, self-motivation, and the ability to adapt to different challenges and situations outside of your comfort zone. In fact, my study abroad experience didn't go unnoticed in my first big job interview after college.

Connections
Studying abroad was a great opportunity to make new connections with students and professors in the host country as well as from different universities in the U.S. You have a connections with this group of people unlike any other group because although you are all from different walks of life you are experiencing new and unfamiliar situations together. Many of these people still keep in contact to help one another whether it is for book drives for school in the host country, future careers, or just friendship.

A New Language
 Learning a new language abroad can be hard at first, but it is much easier to learn a new language where it is used on a day-to-day basis versus an hour and a half lecture three times a week.

Culture
There is no better way to gain exposure and understand cultural differences than firsthand experience. There are many pictures and textbooks you can look at but you truly don't understand it or how you will react to it until you are immersed in it. It goes beyond academia and teaches you different perceptions, beliefs, and customs. Coming from a small town it was eye opening for me and I appreciate the Massai tribe and other locals for showing me their customs.

Personal Growth
Traveling across the world takes effort and a willingness to be open to the unknown or unfamiliar territory. Learning how to afford rent and groceries in college is one thing but it is different when you are doing it alone, across the world. You learn how to become self-reliant and independent.

Increased College Experience
Being in Tanzania, I learned a lot about their socioeconomic status, government, and how their medical system works firsthand. A textbook could never replace walking through the hospitals, speaking with government officials, or meeting the natives. After coming back to the States I am much more aware of how differently our country is governed and ran compared to other countries.

 If studying abroad is something you are interested in there are many options. If you can't make a semester long commitment whether it is due to the duration, class obligations, or financial reasons then I'd recommend a summer abroad. There are also international scholarships available as well as other financial options.