Why did you pick this program?
Before entering college, I was fortunate to do a gap year as a Rotary Exchange Student. I had appreciated how connected and hands on that experience had been within the community. For example, the best way to learn the language is by starting a conversation with people who speak the language. The CIEE cultural consortium program valued working with the community and creating shared experiences
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Get involved, and make sure you take time to reflect. Getting involved is a great way to make connection and develop relations. Self-reflection can really help with growth, problem-solving, and self-care.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Flexibility is huge! Sometimes things will go as you expect, but more often than not, there will be a surprise. Just like life.
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
This depends on whether you need it to be from this program or other abroad experiences:
In Tanzania there are so many stories that it is hard to pick just one. We were in Zanzibar for Eid al- Fitr, and we were able to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the breaking of the fast. I remember walking around when the sun went down and seeing all sorts of incredible dishes and seafood. The seafood was so fresh and everyone was so excited to be out celebrating together. The night we were on safari, and we heard lions roaring earlier in the morning.
Another memory comes from when I taught in Korea, we were going out to a makkoli (Korean wine) restaurant. The way makkoli restaurants worked was they served dishes as you bought pots of wine (to share). So, with the first pot of wine they served kimchi and pigs feet, the second pot was served with a different Korean dish, and so on. Well, by the fourth pot of wine, the owners brought out a live octopus and a dipping sauce. The only directions I received was to make sure I finished chewing every bite, so nothing could climb back up.
After multiple years of traveling, what is something you have learned?
Take time after your traveling to remember the skills you developed while traveling, interning, or taking classes. Being able to travel is incredible, but learning how to talk about your travel can be so useful for the future. I often say traveling helped me build the confidence to problem solve, but also gave me the humility to ask for help when I need it. Take time to think about how travel has/ will continue to help you develop.