Kelly Williams, Nursing Major
U of A Health Teams Abroad in Sweden
U of A Tanzania: The Political,
Social, and Natural History of East Africa
How and why did you choose your specific program(s)?
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I choose my program because I knew I wanted to
do something short-term, in the summer, and with faculty I could make really
good connections with here in Fayetteville!
How did your experiences abroad contribute to your overall
education, especially in your field?
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My trip to Tanzania contributed to my education
by giving me an open mind. I wouldn't say it was exactly related to my career
path (Nursing) but experiencing a different culture in such an interesting way
broadened my perspective on how I approach dealing with all types of people, an
invaluable experience. As for my trip to Sweden, I realized I did not know very
much about the United States healthcare system so what better way to learn
about it then spending a month comparing it to Sweden?! Even though the trip
was directly meaningful to my career path, the most meaningful experiences came
from experiencing the culture.
Why would you suggest your program(s) to others?
·
Because the programs I went on were in the
summer, I didn't have to worry about fitting them into my schedule, which was
fantastic! I also ended up with extra credits that I could try a minor very
easily if I wanted to. Faculty led trips are incredible because you work out
all the details through the University (no third parties!), you get a chance to
know some incredible faculty in a different way that is not possible strictly
on campus, and best of all, you get to experience a country with people that
know it best in a very unique way! How many people can say they saw the big 5
in one day on the Serengeti? Or had a traditional Swedish feast in the home of
a Swede? Or hiked up to the first base camp of Mount Kilimanjaro? Or trekked
with chimpanzees where Jane Goodall did her research? Or lived in a hostel/boat
for a week in Stockholm? Studying abroad provides such an amazing opportunity
to further your education in a unique way that takes learning outside the
classroom and into so many different cultures. Long story short, it rocks!
For information about the programs discussed in Kelly’s
interview, contact the Study Abroad Office (studyabr@uark.edu)!
