Jasmine Jenkins: Honduras

August 31, 2017

I made it to La Ceiba, Honduras safely, and I am happily paired with my host family! They are extremely kind and their house is extremely cute and clean. I have my own room, bathroom, AC, and television as promised. The coordinator of the immersion program is also very kind and informative. I have orientation tomorrow, where I will receive a tour of the University and the town, meet my Spanish teacher, and visit the orphanage that I will volunteer at.

While I'm in Honduras I've been able to explore the country through volunteering, taking Spanish classes, read the Bible, eat, and go to the beach. It is PERFECT.

My Spanish teacher helped my explore local beaches.

During the week I volunteer in a free daycare for children who had abusive fathers. (I thought that I was going to volunteer at an orphanage, but this is fine). Most of the children in my class are 4- 5 years old, but sometimes I help with the younger children as well. My primary responsibilities include assisting with activities, feeding them, and giving out a lot of hugs!!!! Most of the time I have no idea what the kids are saying, but we communicate through small words, gestures, and smiles. After class, I go home to eat lunch (breakfast, lunch, & dinner are provided by my host family). Then, I go to the school for Spanish classes which are from 1:00pm-5:00 pm. On Thursday and Fridays, I take classes in the mornings and have the evenings to myself.

My host family is nothing but hospitable and accommodating. The husband and wife that I live with are probably in their 60's, and they have welcomed me with open arms. They talk very slow so I basically understand everything they say. Today, I even participated in their Bible study. Their son, daughter-in-law, and 9-year-old beautiful granddaughter live in their back house, so I see them daily.

I was surprised the other day when I mentioned that I am actually from Pasadena, and my host mom told me that she watches the Rose Parade every year on TV. I told her that I was on the rose court and she was extremely excited. I was like - damn, people really do watch the parade worldwide?!? She asked for pictures and I didn't have any on my laptop or my phone, so I googled "Jasmine Jenkins Rose Parade" and this lady almost fell out. She already liked me because I try to help out with dishes and I don't have any dietary restrictions, but this was the icing on the cake. Speaking of food, her meals are very good. I am eating like a queen... who loves rice and beans.

Lastly, the beach is beautiful. I go to a private beach that is connected to a resort because apparently, the other beaches are very dirty and somewhat dangerous. The water is beautiful and warm so I'm doing a plethora of swimming. There are no lifeguards however, the waves are not big.

Last weekend my best friend, Whitney came to visit me! We went to the Island of Roatan which is breathtaking. Thanks to my dad's golf connections we had a tour guide who was the chief of police and a pastor on the island. We also went to Pico Bonito (the mountains) where we did river hiking and white water rafting. Last, but never the least, I went to the Island of Utilia and became a certified scuba diver!

The town of La Cieba is very small and pretty poor, which is very sad because it is one of the more developed and wealthier parts of Honduras. My trip is perfect. My Spanish is significantly improving, the day care is full of love, my host family provides a home away from home, I'm gaining a deeper love for God, annnnnnd I'm having fun!

Scuba certification class on the island of Utilla.

Asha Jones: Spain

June 23, 2017

To start off, I want to thank God for presenting the opportunity to travel to Spain two years in a row! My first trip to Barcelona gave me just a taste of Spain and I wanted more. Malaga, Spain is a city like no other. The people, food, and culture of this coastal city are unmatched, in my opinion. Called “La Costa del Sol,” Malaga offers the enjoyments of the beach as well as a rich culture and deep history. The city was founded by the Phoenicians in the centuries before Christs. After the Phoenicians came the Romans and after the Romans came to the Arabian Muslims. After Muslim rule, the Spanish seized Malaga and gained control of the city during the Spanish Inquisition. The full history Malaga has gives the city a different feeling.

Aliyah White: United Kingdom

November 23, 2016

Don’t wait on anyone or you will be waiting for a lifetime. Often times my friends would promise to visit or meet me in a country but things always come up. “Funds are low. I need the money for something else. Sallie Mae took the money I was going to use to see you.” These things happen, plans fall through, this is life and it happens. I don’t blame anyone but I have learned that if I want to do something or go somewhere then I just need to do it. I am independent and confident enough to travel by myself. I wasn’t always like this; I constantly work on it and took years to develop. When you have this unshakeable confidence and level of independence it will also help you in other areas of your life i.e. work, relationships, friendships, etc. I want to go to East Asia next year and best believe I am waiting for no one to go with me. I have the funds, independence and confidence to book a flight myself and see you when I get back.

Shaakira Sargent: Egypt

September 26, 2016

We all have a home, a birthplace, a part of the world we identify with the most. Our physical origin is an important characteristic from which others can understand us. To understand and be understood is an objective goal we all share whether we notice or not. This goal drove into me a strong desire to travel. What's most appealing is, world travelers have a foundation in truly understanding important concepts like culture, empathy, history and the power of primary source knowledge.

Toufic Hawley: Bulgaria

September 14, 2016

I look back on myself exactly a year from now. Wrapping up an intensive MBA 10 months program, thinking about a new career, going from interview to interview, reflecting on the learning, leveraging networking, and basically worrying.

Something had to be done and figuring out my purpose became vital. So I went and started cold calling people, asking questions and feedback, and getting opinions. On a daily basis, I became the guy who doesn’t know what tomorrow looks like. On November 3rd, I received a call from the Salesforce, "Sir we would like to have you with us in Ireland." I immediately started celebrating that night. Finally! I got a job where I would be postponing my "purpose" for a while and getting active on my professional goals.

Just when you think everything is set and carved in stone, I received a call from a friend of mine, saying, "Listen, man, we haven’t spoke in a few years. I own a marketing agency in Sofia, Bulgaria and I would like you to join us as a partner." On November 7th, Saturday morning, I grabbed my guitar and played for as long as I can remember. Then, there it was....PURPOSE! I finally realized that I wanted to build businesses for the rest of my life. Not only that, I want to go where no one else would. And so there my journey began.

Brandon Z. Hoff: France

August 30, 2016

Up until three years ago, I had never traveled outside of the United States. Well, unless you count spring break in Cancun but I hardly remember the trip and the pictures tell a story I’d like to forget anyway.

But really, my thirst for wanderlust began Summer of 2013 when I traveled to Monrovia, Liberia. It’s always difficult for me to summarize this experience with words. I can never find the words to truly eloquent the raw and overwhelming imagery and the spectrum of emotions I felt on this trip. MIND BLOWN. Liberia, in one of its most destitute states. On the cusp of an Eboli breakout, had so much spirit, so much soul. It felt like home. I needed more…

Edward R. Doxen III: France & Spain

August 13, 2016

What country are you working/studying/volunteering in and which program did you go through?

I visited and studied in Paris, Barcelona, and Avigon through EF College Study Tours in March 2015.

What made you choose this country?

I did not care which specific country to visit. I was so interested in traveling abroad to another country during my undergraduate career. It was a goal of mine that I set during my freshmen year of college.

Bre'Lynn Lombard: Malaysia

June 15, 2016

No Limits!

Malaysia is limitless. As I reflect on my time spent in rural Teluk Intan Perak, which is a small town two and a half hour outside north of Kuala Lumpor, I understand that Malaysia provided me with limitless opportunities; opportunities to understand, to empathize, to realize, to learn, to teach and engage.

I am a William J. Fulbright grantee and was given the honor of traveling to Malaysia to be an English teaching assistant from January 2015-October 2015. I had the tasks of assisting Malaysian English teachers in low performing government schools providing interactive and innovative teaching strategies. In short it was dope! My kids were amazing!

Sheryl Felecia Means: Brazil

June 08, 2016

I am Sheryl Felecia, a doctoral candidate in Education Sciences at the University of Kentucky and I am currently conducting my dissertation research in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. My research focuses on the Steve Biko Cultural Institute in Pelourinho and the course CCN, or Black Consciousness and Citizenship. I am interested in how students who enroll at the institute learn how to be black and what that black identity looks like.

Being a researcher is sometimes difficult; a lot of the things that people normally do in groups – excursions and travel within the city or country – I do alone. There are lots of support systems here in Salvador including my amazing host family, several other researchers from the United States and some ex-patriots that help out when I’m a bit lost but, no one holds your hand at the bus stop when you’re on the way to your research site. I’ve learned to be self-reliant and spend as little as possible while relying on the adventure to come to me. (I know, I know – super cliché.)

Brianna Isaacs: China

May 16, 2016

It was a Monday morning when Big Brother decided to shut down all access to the uncensored internet. There was no Skype, Google applications, Facebook, Instagram, etc. Unfortunately, it was the same day I had scheduled a long overdue conversation with my mom. The 13 hour time difference and our busy schedules had put off our weekly conversations by two weeks.

Living in a censored country, I should have known it was bound to happen one day. I was just hoping it wouldn’t happen that day. As I tried frantically to login into my VPN, I was met with defeat and news of the situation from WeChat. I was so angry I busted into tears.

I should have known to expect the unexpected. You learn that very quickly when living in China. It is one of the many little quirks you learn to accept. Such as, the occasional over packed buses that leave you practically in the bus drivers lap. There are times when you come into work and the office smells like Durian fruit. There are times where there is no sign about the big holes in the middle of the street. The most reoccurring one, when you go into the bathroom and realize soap or toilet paper are non-existent. Sometimes these things are very frustrating, but these are times when I have to just laugh, it’s China.

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Lydia Simone: England

March 29, 2016

What country are you studying in?

The home of Big Ben, Prince Charles, and Burberry called my name. The Tower Bridge towers over the city, while the Borough Market fills the air with shoppers’ calls. With over 300 languages, and international financial services and businesses, this city hosts one of MercedesBenz Fashion Week shows twice a year. Supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss call this location home. The famous fashion label Topshop started in this city and now is a global success. Decades ago, my own mother experienced the city’s culture for a whole year after college graduation. Years later with other students, my cousin spent some time in the royal land. Before I reveal the city’s name, here is one last hint. Imagine watching Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in the Globe Theater. I am talking about living in the rush in London, England.

Which study abroad program are you with?

I chose the CAPA Program because it is linked with my college, Albright. I am allowed to take a full class load when I cross the sea and explore the unknown world of London. This program gives me the option to “personalize the experience” by allowing me to both take a full load of courses and participate in an internship or service learning opportunity. It will be a dream come true to intern in London, and the CAPA program will help me fulfill a dream.

Rachel Travels: "Why I Quite My Job To Travel"

October 13, 2015

I did it.

I quit my "good" job .

You know, that pseudo lucrative job that everyone tells you you’re so lucky to have? Large “Fortune Top 50” company, amazing benefits, immeasurable work-life balance, an abundance of opportunity to grow and develop. All dat.

I was unhappy.

As much as I chanted affirmations and prayers on being grateful and thankful for my job, I just was not fulfilled.

There was something always pulling at my heartstring; this feeling of lack or maybe a feeling of fighting a delusion? Not sure. What I was sure of was that I needed to follow my heart. My other option would be to stay in an work environment and city that offered me nothing past my obligation to pay bills on time and live solely for the weekends and two to three weeks vacation a year. Gross.

Asha Poland: Italy

October 06, 2015

It's official! I have been living in Milan, Italy for 2 months now as a U.S. Student Ambassador at Expo Milano 2015. I still remember researching the opportunity with the University of Southern California and the Friends of the USA Pavilion to ensure that it was legit; and now I am 1 of the 60 faces representing the United States abroad.

I travelled to Poggio, Italy once before, but I never had the opportunity to visit Milan. The U.S. Student Ambassador program provided me with the platform to work, learn and engulf myself into my first international work experience that would last 3 months.

I always thought of Milan as a fashionable city full of shoes, gowns, models on every corner and the background of nature's beauty everywhere. In reality, Milan is a bustling city full of Italians from all over the country that are seeking to find gainful employment to provide for their families. There are a few parks and landmarks, but for the most part it's a concrete jungle. Due to the city's industrial features and the fact that I interact with people from all over the world at the World Expo, I can honestly say culture shock is not something that I have really experienced.

Nicole Pederson: Thailand

September 28, 2015

I felt all kinds of emotions as I planned my mission trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand. I am a human rights activist and was extremely grateful to get back into the work I love to do. Behind Thailand’s beautiful beaches, the Thai people’s ever-smiling faces, and the lush tropical jungles lies a terrible secret: modern day slavery.

As the Thai economy strengthens and the natural beauty draws visitors, tourism of a different sort also flourishes. Human trafficking and sexual tourism continue to grow. I was preparing for a mission trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand to help aide in the fight against human trafficking and show the true love of God.

At Escardaria Selaron in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Shomari Maynard: Brazil, Ghana, & Ecuador

September 22, 2015

My passion for international travel and cultural exchange experiences has led me to participate in many different types of exchanges, ranging from study abroad to English teaching abroad.

My first experience abroad was at the young age of 16. I had just finished a tumultuous year in high school since my father suddenly passed away from pancreatic cancer. Before his passing, we discussed my desire to study Spanish abroad. After he died I knew I had to keep pursuing my dream.

I attempted to spend a summer in Spain with a Spanish class from my local community college in Pasadena, California. The professor was happy to have me except for one thing; insurance would not cover me unless I was 18. I thought my dreams were crushed. There was no way I was waiting 2 years to go to Spain. I did some online searching of language programs, and a month later I was on a plane to Barcelona.

Looking back now, I realize that my peers who thought my mother was crazy for allowing me to go to Europe alone had every right to be shocked. I did not think it was a big deal at all. I wanted something, so I made it happen. This type of attitude is what has helped me continue to travel to 5 continents, and counting.

Sunni Wenson: Zambia

September 14, 2015

Out of my 24 trips around the sun, I have spent about 20 of them in a classroom behind a desk. However some of my greatest lessons have not come from a well-known, respected lecturers or 5 lb. textbooks. I’ve learned the most about myself, culture, and the world in general through my experiences in other countries. I consider myself very lucky to have found an enjoyable and fulfilling career that doesn’t feel much like work at all!

In a simplified, abbreviated version, I became extremely interested in HIV/AIDS disparities among minorities while on an alternative spring break trip in college. While this trip only took me across the country (Los Angeles, California), it opened up my eyes to the burden African Americans, especially women, were carrying in the epidemic. Fast forward about a year, I decided that I wanted to make contributions toward fighting HIV/AIDS among vulnerable populations.

sweet ol’ Cambodian man tapped my chakras three times for good luck.fun fact: when you tap your 5th energy chakra with your back against this wall, the sound echoes throughout this little room. — sweet ol’ Cambodian man tapped my chakras three times for good luck.
fun fact: when you tap your 5th energy chakra with your back against this wall, the sound echoes throughout this little room.

Bouchra Danielkebir, Part II: Cambodia and Thailand

September 08, 2015

Klai taa klȃI jai...

This expression is the opposite of the English version ‘Out of sight, out of mind’. The proverb literally says even if it’s too far to see (each other), the hearts are close together. It implies that someone important is not easily forgotten even if s/he is not in one’s direct view.

I learned this proverb my second week here in Bangkok and how fitting it has been relative to my experiences here. Had you asked me if I’d ever work/live in Asia two years ago, I may have laughed in your face. I mean, what in the world would bring me to Asia? I don’t speak any of the official languages, didn’t concentrate in Asian studies, actually don’t even like Asian food (except Thai, I love Thai) … And look where I am two years later.

It all started the Fall 2013 semester when I was studying abroad in Jordan. A notification was sent to my e-mail about a new DoS internship program called the U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program. I mean, why not apply? I was an IS major, traveled a good bit, spoke a few different languages – I seemed fairly eligible and qualified. What was an application that I compiled in under two weeks actually turned into one of the greatest blessings of my life.

April Rushin: England

August 31, 2015

“But isn’t London the same as America? Don’t you want a more…challenging study abroad experience?”

I was asked this question plenty of times before I flew away. I even had teachers that felt as if London was too basic and would cheat me out of my study abroad experience. I cared not what others had to say. Soon after landing, I found out that afternoon tea, Harry Potter, and stories of white washed history did not even begin to explain this amazing city.

I studied at Goldsmith’s University, an art school situated in a poorer section of London, about a thirty-minute train ride from the city proper. There were no official museums or glitzy plazas, instead I was invited into a London less focused on tourism. I learned to love London for what it is today, a cultural mixing pot. I had access to almost every culture in the world within a bus rides distance. For example, on any given day I could get authentic Indian food, hear a Muslim call to prayer, go to an underground rave, and visit a free world class museum. Or maybe the next day, savor a bowl of Vietnamese Pho, turn into a prune in a Turkish bath, relieve any further stress in a Japanese cat café, and run into the real life Neville Longbottom outside of a stage door.

Accra, Ghana Study Abroad Fall 2013 — Accra, Ghana
Study Abroad Fall 2013

Brittany "Reeci" Botts: Ghana

August 24, 2015

As I walked through The El Mina Slave Castle in Accra, Ghana, I could not help but notice them in the midst of my sorrow. I was taken aback by them; their dark, thick lips curved in smiles and laughter, their children running about the fort as if it were a playground, their arguments about the last soccer match and who would be cooking dinner that night. Their faces were casual, looking as if the capture and abuse of millions of dark bodies just like their own had not happened here, looking as if this space held no weight in their hearts. They were native Ghanaians, yet felt even more disconnected from the history of my ancestors than I did. They viewed The El Mina Slave Castle as outsiders looking in, people who were witnessing the pain of another group, failing to realize that this history was of their ancestors, too.

The Ghanaian tourism committee had done a great job creating a scene for us African American mourners. There was the authentic green mold on the walls, the signs which read MALE DUNGEON and FEMALE DUNGEON, the pushing of visitors into the Death Cell where rebellious Africans were sent, the small gate of no return that overlooked the shore, and of course, the gift shop at the end where visitors could purchase a DVD that captures the whole experience for just thirty Ghanaian dollars. The Ghanaian visitors were unphased by it all, much more preoccupied with their real life than the history of a distant, irrelevant past.

Malcolm Clyburn: Mozambique

August 17, 2015

The first time I was called a child here in Pemba I WAS FURIOUS. I am thinking, I went to college, flew half way across the world, to have a room full of middle age women to call me a “Criança”. Since those first days in northern Mozambique, I have earned the respect of my coworkers and community because of my acceptance of the roll of not only teacher, but learner.

I have been a Peace Corps Volunteer in the beach side town of Pemba, Mozambique for a year now. As a Community health volunteer I do not teach formal classes. My job consists of helping improve the community activities of the Ministry of Health. I do this by helping to manage a group of community health workers or 'ativistas'. This group of 18 men and women many of which are HIV positive Peer Educators are my biggest source of information about life here in Pemba. Even though much of my day is spent showing them how to fill out forms or search for information in a digital patient database; I come home each day mind full of new understanding of how people live outside our “city on a hill” called the US.

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