by Asya M. | Oct 15, 2025 | Africa, Faculty-Led, Nursing, Summer
First Impressions When I arrived in Livingston, Zambia, I was immediately struck by the vibrant culture and warm atmosphere. The red clay roads, bustling markets, and welcoming smiles made me feel both excited and a little overwhelmed. I felt a mix of gratitude and...
by Asya M. | Oct 15, 2025 | Africa, Faculty-Led, Nursing, Summer, _
Motivation/ReasoningI chose to go on a mission trip to Livingstone, Zambia, because I felt called to serve and make a difference beyond my local community. This opportunity aligned with my passion for healthcare, faith, and helping underserved populations. I...
by Alexis H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Africa, Asia, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
Since I’m studying abroad on Semester at Sea, my “host location” is a bit unconventional, the MV World Odyssey, sailing in the middle of the ocean. What drew me to this program, and what I’ve come to love most, is the incredible sense of community on board. When I...
by Alexis H. | Oct 14, 2025 | Africa, Asia, Europe, Semester, UA-Affiliate
I had known since my freshman year of high school that I wanted to go on Semester at Sea, and I was beyond excited for my junior year of college to finally take on this adventure. Still, deciding to study abroad during the year when none of my friends were going felt...
by Caeli T. | Oct 10, 2025 | Africa, Internship, Social Work, Summer, _
My internship in Ghana has been an incredible and transformative experience. During the weekends, I’ve had the chance to explore different parts of the country, including Accra, where I visited historical sites like Jamestown, the National Museum of Ghana, the...
by Reagan R. | Oct 10, 2025 | Africa, Internship, Semester, _
Living in Greater Accra, the trotro experience became a daily adventure for me. Trotros are shared minivans or buses that locals use for public transport, and they’re honestly a bit chaotic. They’re cheap and flexible, but they’re not for the faint of heart. Trotros...
by Caeli T. | Oct 10, 2025 | Africa, Internship, Social Work, Summer, _
I have been waiting my whole life for an opportunity like this to work internationally. For the past two years, I have been counting the days until I could get to Ghana. This program is why I stayed with the University of Alabama for grad school. And now that I am...
by Reagan R. | Oct 7, 2025 | Africa, Semester, Social Work, UA-Affiliate, _
After being home for two weeks there have been a flood of emotions about being back home and missing Ghana. Coming back from Ghana has been a lot harder than I expected. I thought I’d be happy to return to the usual comforts of home — hot showers, fast internet,...
by Angelina | Oct 6, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led
Pictured in this post is the Cape Coast Castle in Cape Coast, Ghana. It was originally built by Sweden in the 17th century. Over the years, many countries took possession of it until the 1660s when the English took over. While being there, we toured the entire castle,...
by Makiya H. | Oct 6, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Returning home from Cotonou, Benin after a transformative four-week study abroad experience has been both comforting and surprisingly disorienting. While I was excited to reunite with family, sleep in my own bed, and return to the familiar rhythm of life at home, I...
by Tasha B. | Sep 12, 2025 | Africa, Social Work, _
Hi from Ghana, my first impression upon arriving in my host country was excitement and amazement, and the country’s scenery. But when I arrived at the host college, I quickly had thoughts running through my head like what in the world did I get myself into...
by Olivia B. | Jul 22, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
I left Benin on June 29, and have had time to reflect on the incredible experiences I had. The UA in Benin program was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially because it was a faculty-led program in our professor’s hometown. Having a local guide us through Benin,...
by Amelia W. | Jul 14, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Now that I’m done with my experience studying abroad in Benin, I have learned a lot, but not only in terms of academics; it also has been a very personal journey for me. In retrospect, there are certainly things I wish I’d known before I flew the coop. So to anyone...
by Makiya H. | Jul 10, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
As my four-week study abroad experience in Benin, Africa comes to an end, I’m filled with mixed emotions like gratitude, nostalgia, and a little bit of sadness. The first week was a whirlwind of excursions, where we immersed ourselves in the culture, history, and the...
by Makiya H. | Jul 10, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
I have been in Benin, Africa, for one week, and I have already learned a great deal. We have started to explore African culture, religion, and economic development by visiting Ganvié, the “Venice of Africa,” Ouidah and all of its historic sites, Porto...
by Olivia B. | Jul 8, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When I arrived in Cotonou on June 1, I was immediately overwhelmed by the airport. Although the airport was small, it was incredibly busy and only had one customs line and baggage claim area. After dropping our bags at our house, we went to dinner, and I was surprised...
by Amelia W. | Jun 23, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
Hi, I’m Amelia from New Orleans, I am preparing for my study abroad adventure in Benin, Africa. As a student in the foreign languages and literature program, I’ve always been drawn to francophone cultures. Growing up surrounded by several francophone communities made...
by Olivia B. | Jun 23, 2025 | Africa, Arts & Sciences, Faculty-Led, Summer, _
When I signed up for UA in Benin I was very nervous, knowing little about Benin and throwing myself into this adventure alone. I had never been away from home for such a long time, and had never traveled somewhere so unfamiliar. However, I was still very excited! I...
by Tasha B. | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Faculty-Led, Semester, Social Work, _
I’m excited and nervous. It has been a lifelong dream of mine to study abroad, but life got in the way and prevented me from fulfilling my dreams. With my daughter being an adult and a college student herself, I thought it was a perfect time for me to have this...
by Hana F. | Jan 6, 2025 | Africa, Commerce & Business, Semester, UA-Affiliate
During my time on Semester at Sea, I was able to visit Ghana for a few days. Our ship, the MV World Odyssey, ported in Tema, Ghana for three days and Takoradi, Ghana, for three days in October. My time in Ghana was very enriching and allowed me to fully immerse myself...
