Foreign Places Known
This picture was taken in May 2016, on my first trip to Mexico. 🙂 The truth is, I did not choose to study abroad this semester – studying abroad chose me. I did not choose to return to school for a graduate program – that chose me as well. After being accepted in to the program, I realized that things that were taking place were for extended growth for who I would become professionally. In 2016 I came to Cuernavaca, Mexico for two...
Second Chance in Mexico
When I arrived to Mexico, I immediately became overwhelmed with good emotions. I shed a few tears and expressed boundless gratitude for where I am because it is not often that you get to return to places where you once failed, only to be set on a path to succeed. I felt at home, at peace, and a belonging that has been waiting for my arrival. I spent the first two weeks attending Spanish class to better prepare me for my internship in...
Going to Ghana
Hello! My name is Kelly Muston. I am a Master of Social Work student. I will be completing an international internship in Ghana in the Spring of 2019. I would like to say that I have some amazing motivation behind why I chose to study abroad, but it just is not true. I sat in the MSW program orientation and for the first time in my life considered studying abroad. I left that day knowing it was what I wanted to do. I also do not truly...
Getting Ready for 16 Weeks in London!
My name is Candace, I am 24 years old, and in the Graduate Social Work program. I have always wanted to study abroad but the opportunity never came up. It was not until orientation that I was able to see myself leaving the states. I wanted to go to a diverse city where I could be submersed in different cultures and London has always been on my bucket list. When I approached Debra Nelson-Gardell, there were no programs that included...
Africa Awaits
“A ship is always safe at shore, but that’s not what it’s built for.” -Albert Einstein I have officially committed to my Spring 2019 field placement in Ghana, West Africa. You would not even begin to believe the emotions I am trying to contain. I go from overly excited and ready to fearful and sad to be leaving my friends and family. Luckily, I have a great desire to serve and a support system that has helped...
The HIGHEST HIGHS and the lowest lows
There is no doubt that there are highs and lows when studying abroad. One minute, you can be having an amazing conversation with a Ghanaian, the next, someone may be trying to talk to you and they get frustrated because you cannot understand them. You can have a fantastic day at work, but get stuck in traffic on a trotro that is filled to compacity; no breathing room, no air condition, and the sun beaming directly down on you. A month...