What sparked your interest to study abroad?
I absolutely adore an adventure. Meeting new people from different walks of life makes me tick. I like being able to go someplace where no body knows who I am. I like immersing myself in a culture and walking in somebody else’s shoes for a day.
What drew you to Belize for your study abroad program?
Belize was the only study abroad location for an animal science program. Honestly, Belize was never on my radar. None of central or South America was. I always wanted to travel Europe more. Now that I have gone there, I am addicted to the lifestyle. Heck, I’m already planning retirement there.
What was the most rewarding part about your stay?
Being able to be a new person. Doing things (like eating cow intestine!) that I had never done before. Learning a new way of life, and seeing the priorities of others.
Was studying abroad a challenging experience? Why?
Not at all. I’ve been on my own since 17 (3 years) so leaving home wasn’t a problem at all. I wish I could have stayed longer.
What was your most memorable experience abroad?
We took a morning and went zip lining in Guatemala.
What classes did you take when you were abroad? Did the classes available in your study abroad program effect the location you chose?
Intro to Large Animal Medicine and Exotic/Wild Animals of Belize. Yes, they were only offered in Belize.
Did you do any type of volunteer or service learning projects while you were abroad? If so, describe?
We were only there for 4 weeks, but I volunteered some time at the local bird rehabilitation facility, and did a Saturday spay and neuter clinic in a small town.
What were your living accommodations like in Belize?
We stayed at a resort, about 2 miles out of town. I didn’t like it at all. I mean I loved the place, but I feel as though I would have had a more “real” experience if we had stayed in town. We didn’t get a feel for how Belizeans really live. We had A.C., over 100 cable channels, and internet. Granted, at the time the air conditioning was nice, but being so far out of the loop made it challenging to mingle with locals because we had to pay to take local transportation.
How did your friends and family react at the idea of you leaving for Belize?
No. As I said earlier I’ve been completely independent for 3 years, and only see my family about once a year, if that. They were glad I was doing it, they just tell me to do what I want and be careful.
As a student of color, did you feel your experience abroad was different from your peers? If so, how?
Well, I’m not a student of color, but in Belize I was! It was hard to blend in out at a club or walking down the street. I made friends with two girls on the trip with me, one was Haitian and one was Dominican, and they looked like the locals. I stuck out like a sore thumb. It was fun though, and everyone in Belize was so nice.
How has studying abroad benefited you, personally, academically and professionally? Do you think you have grown as a person? Have any of your beliefs changed significantly due to this experience? Explain.
Well anytime you step out into a new walk of life you are going to benefit personally. All the people I met in Belize are very happy people. They don’t have a lot of “stuff” or a lot of money, but that doesn’t bother them. They truly love living life for what it is. I’m trying to bring that happiness into my life. Now if I get stressed out, I put on some music I was given down there, and just take 5 to dance or sing along. Professionally, I got to experience something not a lot of people in my major get to: exotic animals. I got hands on experience with jaguars, monkeys, tapirs, and others. I’m hoping I stand out to veterinary school because of this experience.
What do you wish you would’ve known before studying abroad?
I’ve been abroad before, but not for school. I was a student ambassador for People to People. I feel I was very prepared for this trip. I had no expectations. I just was along for the ride. That’s the mentality that makes traveling fun.
What do you think other students studying abroad should know before leaving?
They need to know that they are only going to get out of the experience what they put into it. The group I was with was TERRIBLE (minus 3 or 4) at submersing themselves in the culture. They wanted everything to be like “home.” How are you going to learn anything if you aren’t ok with things being different?
Do you think that there are any personal qualities that make it easier with the study abroad experience?
Independence, appreciation for other walks of life.
What do you think could have improved your study abroad experience?
If I had taken more clothes! I only took one medium sized suitcase, but hey, I was living like a Belezean!
Would you recommend study abroad to other students?
Without a doubt!
Do you plan to go abroad again? If so, where and for how long?
Yes. Not to study, but to travel and volunteer. All over South and Central America. and Australia. I have to go down under. For as long as the budget allows. I’m retiring in Belize too.
Please add any additional comments or thoughts that you have about your study abroad experience:
A friend and I were so touched by all that our two professors did for us in Belize that we are trying to fundraise and come up with money for them. Belize doesn’t have a single ultrasound machine, and only 1 x-ray machine. It is so hard to know if a Toucan is ready for a leg pin to be pulled without being able to see the bone! We are trying to come up with enough money to buy a truck for the large animal veterinarian (or have one donated). Our professor works out of two hand held tool boxes. He can only take a few supplies with him. He works with limited funds. He cares about the animals so much, and he needs to be rewarded for that. He’s such an inspiration and we want to repay him for all of his hard work.
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Learn more about Study Abroad in Belize?
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