Cameroon: The Experience of a Lifetime

I have had the incredible good fortune to travel to many different parts of the world. Out of all the study abroad programs I have ever done, the Middlebury program in Cameroon has been the most special. When I was deciding which study abroad program to do I was immediately attracted to the program in Cameroon.

The Cameroon program appealed to me because I wanted to experience something radically different from my status quo. As an American, Cameroon proved to be just that. Despite the fact Cameroon is so unlike where I am from, I quickly felt at home. I think there are two reasons for this.

Firstly, I had an excellent experience with a wonderful host family. My host family quickly welcomed me into their lives. I did not feel like a guest, but rather one of them. My close relationship with members of my host family enabled me to learn a lot about Cameroonian society in a short period of time. Any time I had a question I felt comfortable asking members of my host family about things I did not understand. Their explanations were incredibly helpful and enabled me to learn a lot about Cameroon.

Secondly, the Middlebury faculty did a fantastic job teaching my fellow students and me about Cameroonian life and how to live in Yaounde. For example, in Yaounde people move around the city in taxis. When I first arrived in Yaounde, I really thought I would never be able to navigate the chaotic system. Cars drive through the streets and potential passengers hail cabs. There is then a quick negotiation with the cabbie about destination and fare. Almost as quickly as the taxi has stopped, it starts driving again. Sometimes you get a ride if your destination and price works for the cabbie. Sometimes you have to wait for another taxi. The Middlebury director did a wonderful job showing us how to use the taxi system. I soon got the hang of it and by the end of my stay using the taxi felt completely normal.

Study abroad in Cameroon will challenge you but it is worth doing. The program was extremely broadening and I wholeheartedly recommend it. If you want to do a tremendous amount of learning in a relatively short amount of time and forge close connections with incredible people, this is the program for you!