From the Trenches: Buckeyes Around the World

Alejandra Moya (Bogotá,Colombia)

Double Major in Political Science and International Studies; Minor in Portuguese.

Destination: Uganda and Tanzania

Why Study Abroad?
I always have been interested in different cultures, languages and people. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to meet these interests while earning credit for school and applying the experience to my major. I choose Uganda because I wanted to travel to Africa and the program offered by Dr. David Kraybill offered variety in the planned classes and activities. It was an opportunity to have a lot of cool experiences and learn about economics, agriculture and sustainability. It was also the ideal program to see how people work hard to accomplish what they want.

What Program?
The Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Uganda/Tanzania Program: Development and Sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa, helped me gain international experience and agricultural knowledge, while letting me see first hand how politics, infrastructure, economics, agriculture, and culture work together.

For more information on the group’s experience in Africa, please visit http://buckeyesinafrica.blogspot.com.

Lessons Learned?

I have learned about livelihoods and how all sectors of the economy and life work together. I have learned the value of hard work, education and developments. I have also seen how important government structure and the impact of public services are on our lives. I have learned to appreciate things such as water pressure, warm water, trashcans, paved roads, classroom space, variety of food and spices, and even availability of good transportation.

Tips?
I would recommend the program for individuals of all majors and interests. Yes, it focuses on economics and agriculture but it is all-encompassing. Students in this program come from a variety of majors, such as international studies, business, agriculture, psychology, plant biology, veterinary medicine, development, political science. It is a program for all!

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Adriana LaMonte (Columbus, Ohio)

Majors: International Studies, Spanish, French.

Destination: Madrid, Spain

Why Study Abroad?
I have been studying Spanish for eight years and have always wanted to go abroad to improve my speaking skills and learn another culture really well. I am most interested in Western Europe, and especially Spain because of all the regional variations.

What Program?
I chose the Autónoma Program because it was the most independent (and therefore the most authentic) experience. I was in charge of all my living and travel arrangements, all my scheduling and academic arrangements, all my logistical issues (e.g. my visa). I take regular classes designed for Spanish students at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. I am also hoping to use this time to start working on an honors thesis about Latin American immigration in Spain, for which I hope to begin research soon.

Lessons Learned?
I have learned more than I can say — so much about the language (both spoken and colloquial and academic/linguistic), lots of cultural things (and I’ve learned to have patience!). I’m learning how to relax and be less stressed, and the list goes on and on. The experience has been a challenge to my ability of being independent, self-motivated, responsible, and my aptitude to manage completely in another language; all skills that are necessary for high academic goals and future careers.

Tips?
An independent program such as mine is quite difficult, but very worth it. Seek help preparing for the trip from professors and people who have done similar programs. I would advise having a very open mind and being open to new friends and new things — not just sticking with other Americans — but without shoving out every part of your old life to experience the new culture. You need to have some things that remind you of home, because it will make homesickness less severe. 