Best Decision of My Life

This program offers so much more than your typical study abroad program. You get to live in an area of the world that most people only dream of visiting. Surrounding by acacia woodlands, the Kenyan field station sits on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro. From the outdoor showers, you have a perfect view of the top of Kili! Both fields stations are incredibly beautiful, with gazebos, volleyball courts, and soccer fields nearby.

While I would say that I faced some difficulties at first adjusting to the East African lifestyle and not having all the necessities that I've become accustomed to using, you can have a greater appreciation for the people and beautiful landscape of these two countries. Honestly, I would not have enjoyed this experience as much if I were glued to my computer, worried about what was going on back home. You're able to connect with an incredible group of students who are just as nervous, but excited as you to journey to a region quite different from the US and Europe. You also connect to the staff of both sites in a way that would never occur at any other academic institution. The staff quickly becomes your extended family, eating dinner with you, getting to meet and know their family, and playing a game of soccer with them in the afternoon. Where else in the world can you play volleyball with your professors?!

Although I think this is an incredible program and think everyone should experience this area of the world that is often misunderstood, the trip isn't for everyone. You're surrounded by your classmates 24/7, leaving few instances of alone time. Also, if you're not willing to be adventurous and try new things, this program may not be ideal for you. There were moments when I was completely out of my comfort zone and instead of not participating (as usual), I embraced the moment and had the best time of my life. On the first day in Tanzania, a group of students and staff decided to play soccer. I was hesitant at first and I'm not extremely athletic, but the other students persuaded me to join in on the fun and I loved every moment of the game! Another instance of this was during our optional community service project in Tanzania. Over the course of two weeks, we had the chance to go to a local school and implement a reading program. The program wasn't mandatory and I'm not always great with kids. I went to the school on the first day as nervous as could be, but ended up falling in love with the students and went back every day after that to continue interacting with them.

One final thing I'll add is that even though this is a program intended for wildlife lovers, don't choose the program solely based on this fact. You will see all the awesome animals from The Lion King and scream for joy the first time you spot an elephant; however, you soon become accustomed to these animals sightings on a daily basis and the excitement quickly turns into an appreciation for the landscape and region as a whole. Similar to a majority of people on my trip, I left the program falling in love with the people and staff of our field station more than the animals. The best moments I can remember are from these interactions with people that I grew to love and care for. In this sense, you should go on this program with the mindset that it'll be more than just a 3-month long safari, but instead a life altering experience that will open your eyes to the beauty of the people and landscape of East Africa.