The Catalyst
Tanzania Study Abroad
Social Work Students to Study Abroad in Tanzania
This summer a group of social work students (along with others) will be traveling to Tanzania, East Africa, for a study abroad experience through the Women’s Studies Department. Patty Thurmer, Christy Knight, and Andria Winterhalter, current Social Work Juniors, shared their thoughts on their anticipated experience of their upcoming trip from May 21-June 4, 2009.
These students spoke of their expectation of personal and professional growth from this travel opportunity. Being submerged in a new culture, a third world country, brings hope for a new perspective on the values we hold here in the United States as well as the role of women in the family, the community, and society. Patty, Christy, and Andria expressed openness to experiencing how poverty directly affects people, and how they adapt to that environment. They hope to gain a deeper understanding of what it might be like for others from such a different background to come to the United States, where values may differ drastically. They also hope to grow in empathy and to have their eyes opened to the realities of their preconceived ideas, especially concerning the United State’s involvement in helping with the AIDS/HIV epidemic in Africa.
Activities the students will be involved in include learning Swahili each morning. Learning common conversational phrases will enable easier communication. They will also be bringing school supplies (gathered from a fund raiser prior to the trip) to a rural school with about 400 elementary and middle school students and spending time with the students, teaching them games. Another highlight will be visiting an AIDS/HIV center to see how the people are dealing with the epidemic. Each evening the students will gather to debrief the day’s experiences. While visiting numerous cities and townships, the students will also have the opportunity for some sight-seeing. Adventures include Mount Kilimanjaro and a safari weekend.
Patty, Christy, and two other members of the group will be traveling to Kenya for about a week after their Tanzania experience to visit Dr. Mumbi Mwangi’s orphanage. Dr. Mwangi, a Women’s Studies professor at SCSU and native of Kenya, opened her own home to children who lost their parents to AIDS/HIV. The students will be spending time with the children and volunteering their services.
While anticipating life changing experiences, these three women are looking forward to a trip of learning and enjoyment.
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