Living My Dream #HogsAbroad in Tanzania

My study abroad experience started as most peoples' do. CHAOTIC. The night before, I realized that not everything would fit in my traveling backpack so the day of my flight I had to pack in the REI store while buying a new backpack. After that problem was solved I then had to catch a 29-hour flight to Tanzania. Once landing, I realized that my brand-new travel backpack was nowhere to be found… the airline had lost it. So yes, I was in a foreign country, with no clothes, no tent, no sleeping bag, and basically none of the essential things that I was going to need. I WAS DEFEATED. However, the story does not stop there. After, the first couple of minutes of pure panic, fear, and even a little regret, I was greeted by 24 new friends and staff that over time would become my family… I KNEW THAT I WOULD BE OK. 

The other 4 months of my study abroad trip were a lot less chaotic. I was basically living my dream. I was able to study wildlife as close as possible. I got to see the big 5 of Africa (even the white rhino which is very rare), and through experiential learning, I got to grow academically as well as personally. There was nothing like camping in the middle of a national park, being able to look up and see the incredible night sky and hear all the animal sounds. It was truly an unforgettable experience. 

Although the start of my study abroad semester did not go as planned, it helped me come to terms with the fact that not everything is going to be perfect while abroad, and even if you plan something to a T, it still has the possibility of getting messed up. The biggest lesson I learned while abroad is to expect the unexpected and just roll with the punches because usually the things that do not go as planned make for the best stories! I think that no matter what program you choose for studying abroad it will have its challenges. However, it’s those challenges that allow you to grow and become a better version of yourself. There is truly nothing like studying abroad, so I am here to tell you if you are even remotely thinking about it JUST DO IT. There is no doubt in my mind that it will be the best experience that you will get in college. So if you are looking for a sign that you should study abroad, here it is…STUDY ABROAD!!!

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Junior Biology major Kayla Lane spent the spring 2019 term in Tanzania studying wildlife conservation and political ecology with SIT with the help of our Office of Study Abroad Scholarship.

Don't miss your opportunity to study or intern abroad! Start your search at http://studyabroad.uark.edu/search/