Here We Come Zambia!

Coming to UA, I never really saw myself leaving the state of Alabama. Alabama is home to me and I grew up just 2 hours north of Title Town. I always heard people talk about their adventures in Spain or Italy and the amazing experiences they had abroad, but I never...

Up Up and…17 hour flight away

Hello all!! This is my first ever blog post, so here goes nothing. I just finished my senior year! Yay class of 2018! So you might be asking yourself, why is this person going on a study abroad and paying for an additional class that is not needed to graduate? The...
First day at clinic

First day at clinic

We went to a government funded clinic in a town about 5 hours away from where we are staying today. There were a lot of people gathered outside when we arrived, I think they knew we were coming. I was put in the assessment group and we did a quick assessment of the...
Pre-Departure- Ethiopia!

Pre-Departure- Ethiopia!

I have one more day in T-town before I set off to Ethiopia! I got back from Serbia two weeks ago and the travel fever has set in since then.. I’m ready for my next adventure! I’ve got my 100% DEET insect repellent, my head scarf, my stethoscope etc. and...
Coming Home from Ethiopia

Coming Home from Ethiopia

I have always thought it’s harder to come home than it is to depart for a new adventure. After being in Ethiopia, getting to know the culture, and helping run a clinic almost every day I am kind of at a loss of what to do with myself. I spend the first week back...

Now That I’m Home…

Wow. I’ve been home from East Asia for a couple weeks, and in that time I’ve had the chance to reflect on all that I saw and learned while abroad. I’m definitely missing the city I was in, the family and group of nationals that we worked with each...

Grateful

After a long 17 hour flight back to America, and two more flights ahead before arriving back to Birmingham, I am very tired but excited to get home to a hot shower and soft bed. Yet, I am also really missing those sweet Ethiopian faces and their warm hospitality. As I...

Ethiopians

While studying abroad in Ethiopia I was able to meet hundreds of Ethiopians as my team and I set up medical clinics in the locals’ villages. The people were very welcoming and happy to see us. Some would stare in amazement at the color of our skin because they...

Preparing for Ethiopia

Preparing for Ethiopia was a little different than preparing for any other study abroad trip. Common items such as toilet paper, tissues, soap, etc. are not readily available in Africa. Therefore, most of my packing involved minimal clothing and lots of snacks,...
Two weeks in Ghana

Two weeks in Ghana

It’s been nearly two weeks since I left for my trip to Elmina, Ghana. Since then I’ve learned a lot about the culture and the people here! Every day I see exciting new things, and I always learn something new. Working in healthcare in Ghana allows me to...

So much in so little time

First stepping off the plane into Managua I had no idea what I got myself into to but I slowly realized that everything was going to be okay. We breezed through customs, ate an amazing lunch and got real fruit smoothies all with in the first hour. My first impressions...

One day until China!

When I entered school at The University of Alabama, I wanted to study abroad more than anything. But after finding out that with the nursing curriculum couldn’t be transferred abroad, I gave up that dream. Then I found out about the Medical AbroadĀ trips and knew...

Before I Board

Traveling. It’s something I’ve always loved. Jesus. He’s someone I’ve always loved. Nursing. It’s something I’ve come to love. Now let’s throw those three things into a pot and mix them all together. During the fall semester...

When in Dominican

My first impression upon arrival was a bit of a culture shock. When we landed in the airport, which is much different than our state airports, it was very colorful filled with art and murals. The signs were all in Spanish, so I had to quickly try to remember my 4...

Home sweet home

  When returning back to the US, I was so excited to be home and see this beautiful, amazing country we live in. When we got to the airport, I realized how incredibly advanced and easy everything is here. Everything is so fast and efficient! I have always...
Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home

Last night our group arrived at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to conclude our week-long Dominican Republic excursion. While I had a fantastic experience serving the people of San Juan and immersing myself in a new culture, I was so glad to be...