Waited so Long for this Week to Come: My Semester Abroad Week One
Safari Tops Off Week, in Tarangeri Nat’l Park, as Part of The GSC Experience
I’ve been waiting for this first week to come for so long, I’m still getting over the idea that it’s already done. My initial reaction to the Tanzanian culture is that it is everything that I read about and more. I am surprised with how much English is spoken, but then also surprised with how much Kiswahili I have already learned. While preparing for my trip I made contact with about five past Global Service Corps participants and asked their favorite and not so favorite experiences, and what exactly they suggest for packing. I think that this preparation helped me significantly because I was able to get honest feedback from people who have been in the exact position that I was about to enter. The participants all had great things to say, and gave warnings about things they felt a little uncomfortable about. The realization of the poverty levels was concerning with a couple of the participants, so I was aware that this would probably be the case for me. And it is. When I walk to my home through the neighborhood where my home stay family and I live, there are an abundance of children who are sweet and welcoming, but included in that welcoming is the idea that I bring money. Watching the children gather water from the local creek is a sight to see and reminds me of the late night East Africa poverty commercials that are aired in the United States. I was told time and time again about the great exchange rate I would have and that has also come to be true. Meals are inexpensive compared to the states. Unless I go to a mzungu (white person) café, I can expect to pay very much less than expected for the average American meal.
The initial reaction that I have for family life at my home stay is heartwarming. It seems that my Mama really enjoys my company and that my family enjoys having me. It is slightly ‘awkward’ for lack of a better word to ask questions about bathing, eating, and trash that seem so normal to the family, but again my preconceived notion regarding these issues aren’t exactly different from what they are still. For example: I knew that I’d be using a bucket bath, but once I was actually in the bucket bath process I realized I didn’t really know what I was doing and that made me really feel like I was in East Africa.
Although I was aware that Tanzania is a predominantly black population, I was under the impression that there would be many other foreigners and/or white people, but that seems not to be the case. The attention given to any foreigner is a bit overwhelming, especially if you cannot pick up on any Kiswahili words. Which brings me to our Kiswahili mwalimu (teacher). He has been so great. I knew that we would be getting lessons daily, but I didn’t expect them to be this helpful and thorough… Overall, I’d say my first week in Arusha has been exciting, enlightening, busy, and serendipitous in the idea that this is exactly where I am suppose to be regardless of any initial situations that leave me speechless. Needless to say, week one leaves me wanting another 14 weeks of this Tanzanian culture.
Clare B., Semester Abroad Tanzania
This is Africa. My First Week Here.
This Summer? How about Tanzania? You could Study Abroad, Intern or Volunteer with Global Service Corps ~ You’ll learn a lot, contribute a lot, be welcomed a lot in a service-learning experience immersed in local culture.
Students and Tanzanian Lecturers Begin their Spring Semester Abroad
This is Africa. The three words that are constantly said among the group of girls I have become friends with here in Tanzania as we begin our semester abroad. I went from hot showers and being just another citizen on the street in the U.S. to being dropped into a world where I am the main attraction and a bucket bath is my way of bathing. I have been immersed into a world I only saw through my HD television and air conditioned home. Cultural differences between the streets of Arusha and my home back in New York can never be explained enough into detail for a reader to really see what is happening in my everyday life, but I will try my best.
My first reaction when arriving in Arusha, Tanzania was that the weather is beautiful compared to the New York winter that is in store for my friends. I felt very comfortable and safe when I was greeted at the airport by GSC staff. After being dropped off at the hostel, it hit. I am in Tanzania; this is my new home, and I won’t be back on U.S. soil for four months. This is Africa.
On my first day in this foreign place I realized the language barrier is going to be much more difficult than I expected. I could barely say hello in their native language. As soon as breakfast was over, I hit the books. I needed to learn how to have a basic conversation in Swahili. Only hours later did I realize jet leg was kicking in and I was about to take a 12-hour nap. I woke up around midnight to a knock at my door. Jess, my new roommate and partner in African adventures, had arrived.
The next day we went into town and explored our new home. Little did I know, we were the elephant in the room and bombarded by people. Whether they were trying to sell something, take a photo with us, hold our hand or just practice their English skills on us we really became the main attraction. The only way I can explain this to someone at home is the way celebrities are treated and can’t just get from one spot to the next without getting stopped.
During orientation we were taught more about the culture and how to react in certain situations. I feel the most important thing I have learned during orientation on culture is that you don’t show anger and frustration here. We don’t yell and swear at someone who has invaded our personal space. This is such important advice because I tend to get annoyed by people getting in my space. This advice I continuously tell myself, so I keep my cool and avoid conflict. Due to the way many live, time is not a priority. I also learned more about the African culture and its slow way of life (pole pole, which means slow in Swahili). Therefore, when people show up late for something, it is completely acceptable.
Before arriving in Tanzania I did plenty of research. However, no matter how much research is done, you really cannot fully prepare yourself to this type of environment. I knew that Tanzania was the fifth poorest country in the world, I knew paved roads were only a luxury, and I knew that HIV/AIDS was an epidemic. But I didn’t realize all of this and much more were going to hit me all at once. The way people live continuously makes me cry for them. Yet, many of these people don’t know any other way of life.
Academically, I feel I was a bit more prepared. This is because we were provided the syllabus in advance so I was able to see that we had class from 9am-5pm each day with a short lunch break. This is much different from America, because in a University there we would have more personal time between classes. Although Africa is known for being pole pole, I have realized time management is needed in order to succeed for the semester. After class, as much as we would love to explore, we know that it is more important to get home before dark and began our homework and studying.
I have been here for eleven days, and I am still trying to adapt to this new environment. However, it takes time and a lot of support from the staff around us. At this point, I am not sure how I feel about this journey I have ahead of me. But, I do know that at the end of this, I am going to look back and see how much I have grown and learned from this experience. For now, I will leave you with the three very common words that I use: This is Africa.
- Vanessa C., Semester Abroad Tanzania
Buddhist Immersion, Hot in Thailand
It is hot and humid here, I am constantly sweating and my clothes stick to me. I enjoy washing my clothes by hand daily and drying them in the hot sun… I love interacting with the Monks and participating in the evening chanting. Chanting in the white temple with the beautiful Buddha statues and also just listening to the Monks chant will be forever memorable… Most memorable? The classroom experience (as a volunteer).
- Margaret B., Buddhist Immersion Thailand
Going Home
Be careful because Cambodia is the most dangerous place you will ever visit. You will fall in love with it, and eventually it will break your heart. – Joseph Mussomeli, past U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia (Cambodia’s Curse, 2010)
At the end of the day I still ask myself, “why do we travel?” Why do we torture ourselves with leaving our homes and all we know; why do we torture ourselves with falling in love with such gorgeous people – only to disappear and probably never see them again; why do we run away? From personal experience and from research through travel memoirs, etc., it’s because we are constantly trying to learn more about ourselves (also, of course about the world as well!). And it’s always the same – we leave expecting a revelation, may it be about whatever, but we always return asking ourselves why we left, because it’s always been and always will be either right in front of us or within us. I guess I’ll never learn, nor do I plan to.
I’m sad to leave. Even though it’s been a struggle and a journey of extreme highs and lows, and no matter how much I miss my home, I am very sad to leave. Quite sad, confused, and moved.
I look back on my time here and it seems so short and I feel pathetic. At the same time however, I have received plenty of verification that my efforts have been effective and hugely appreciated. When I think about my time in Cambodia, why I came, why I stayed, it was really all for my students – something I didn’t know would happen. My fifteen students – young, old, quiet, loud. It’s also been my director Emily, whose generosity (understatement of the century), has been the single force that has inspired me to teach. The other night was the staff dinner and party where I volunteer. While there, I was suddenly overwhelmed by this organization’s inconceivable charity. There’s so much love. Every staff member I met, all of the foreigners who support it, and of course my students, have touched my heart. No not touched it, but skewered it with unimaginable kindness. Last week I toured the centers (as there were holiday performances and parties) with some of the founders and sponsors and they all made an impression on me. After many tears shed by all, I didn’t realize how much I missed them already. They love me.
I felt lonely here a lot. I sometimes felt useless. But most of all, I felt and feel blessed that I got to work within this organization. I discovered limitations; mind-tweaking frustration; people’s motives; people – from every background, foreground, and situation that you can imagine; cultural boundaries; and of course all the superficial stuff that I’m supposed to learn at this point. Most importantly and most notably what I have taken away from this experience is Transform’s heart.
It’s true what they say about how you don’t really know a country until you live in it. It’s true that it doesn’t matter where you are but who you’re with. And, as if this couldn’t get any more soft or introspective – it’s true, there’s no place like home.
- Bridget T., Cambodia
Why GSC?
Volunteer, Intern, Study Abroad where what you learn makes a difference in the communities you serve.
Global Service Corps enticed me because unlike most service abroad programs that I had researched, its service is uniquely tied to learning. I liked the idea of learning about Bio Intensive Agriculture and then passing on my newly acquired skills and knowledge to others. We went into rural communities and taught families how to create sustainable vegetable gardens on very small plots of land. They can grow a year’s supply of nutritious vegetables, and do so using farming techniques that don’t depend on outside assistance in seed and fertilizers. In the end, I taught others a valuable skill and received the same skill myself.
Found My Direction
I figured out the direction I want my life to take and made the decision to and took action to apply to nursing school while in Tanzania…I feel like the experience met any and every personal goal I could have had. I had an amazing experience with GSC and in Tanzania and hope that I can go back some day.
- Hannah W., Tanzania
Living in Phnom Penh: GSC Volunteer Orientation
Although quite westernized in many parts of the city, Phnom Penh still retains and respects traditional Cambodian culture. Highlighted below are certain aspects of the culture, societal norms, and the way of life here that may help a volunteer become more prepared for his or her experience in Phnom Penh. (Written for the GSC volunteer orientation packet)
Appropriate Dress
Even though the temperatures are often blindly hot or humid in Phnom Penh, the dress does not call for beach attire. It’s normal to wear pants or a skirt that covers the knees and a shirt that covers shoulders. Yes, you will see that even locals occasionally wear short shorts or skimpy dresses (for women), but maybe save these outfits for a night out. It’s best to try to fit in as much as possible, you’ll already be sticking out far enough. And of course, there’s unwanted attention to consider.
Working with Cambodians
Even the working situation is going to be different. From bureaucratic Cambodian-run organizations to foreigner-friendly ones, predicting your working experience may be impossible. One helpful tip is to be culturally aware at your workplace. This means be on time for work/meetings, during meals do make an effort to converse but know that Cambodians don’t usually talk too much while eating, greet people respectfully, pay attention to your appearance, and know that Cambodians are generally known as some of the nicest people anywhere, so return their generosity. If you do find yourself in more of a bureaucratic environment, try to be patient. Some NGOs have reported struggling in Cambodia because of their attempts to complete an agenda that otherwise never gets done. You will have to rely on yourself to get your work done and be persistent if you experience issues in the workplace.
Getting Around
The most convenient way to travel is by tuk-tuk or moto. Not only is it probably pretty dangerous to walk in Phnom Penh, but also it’s also not very normal. Of course, if you’d like to walk somewhere, hopefully a near-by location, it’s up to your discretion. Keep in mind however, that you will be consistently bombarded by motos or tuk-tuks offering rides. The locals usually do not walk anywhere. Though there is somewhat of a standard for the payment of tuk-tuks, some drivers will certainly inflate the prices for a foreigner, but not all are so greedy. So, try to keep your cool while negotiating – just be politely persistent. The most you’ll pay is $6 for a 20min trip to your destination and back, unless you keep the driver for a whole day or whole night, which can get pretty pricey – up to $12-$15. Short rides usually cost $1-$3.
Travel
Travel around Cambodia is typically pretty straightforward. If you’d like to explore other provinces, there are bus companies all around the city, one of the most popular being Sorya. It’s best to buy a bus ticket a day or a couple of days in advance. Booking hotels online has always worked for me and you can ask the hotel about how to get from the bus station in town to their property. Crossing the border is a whole different situation. I highly recommend doing your research before committing to a trip that involves a border crossing from Cambodia. Many border-crossing locations are, in my experience, corrupt or at the very least, confusing. If you plan on leaving the country during your stay in Cambodia, make sure you have a multiple entry visa or only extend your visa up until the day you leave for your trip because you’ll have to buy a new one upon re-entry back to Cambodia. You can extend your visa at a travel agency ($25 per month for a tourist visa).
Tourists
Tourists, or foreigners in general, have a peaceful relationship with Cambodians. It’s true that some are not fond of the late-night partying scene or bars, but really other than that, if you are polite than Cambodians really do appreciate your travel. They like tourists for the money it brings to their country and also because they know that tourists will go home and talk about their experience here. Locals have even told me that the dress tourists wear (usually inappropriate by Cambodian standards) is acceptable because, “it’s their culture.”
Eating/Food
Cambodian food is exotic and most of the time, very delicious. There is a huge variety of unusual and tropical fruits, which are a common snack and dessert. Dishes range mostly from soups to meat or seafood dishes with rice. One of the most typical meals is a soup with vegetables and some kind of meat (sometimes liver or other innards) eaten with rice. Here, only a spoon and fork or chopsticks are used to eat, no knife. There are abundant international and western restaurants as well. Mostly all restaurants are totally safe to eat at (you won’t have to worry about something like the ice), except maybe think twice about eating at a sketchy street vendor – not that you should cutout this option completely.
Health
As far as vaccines go, you may want to get the Cambodia specific ones (i.e. Japanese Encephalitis) when you arrive in Cambodia. First of all, the vaccines are significantly less expensive here. In addition to this, if you receive one JE vaccine in the US and plan on getting the other two or three while Cambodia, it’s often the case that the shots’ brands won’t be compatible and it is important to get them on the exact dates that the doctor recommends. Finally, the hospital here may have some vaccine recommendations that your doctor in the US did not consider. The Rabies vaccine, for example, is encouraged here. The most popular foreigner hospital is International SOS. It’s very well established and has English-speaking and also foreigner staff. You’re also likely concerned about stomach problems. Drink filtered or bottled water (brushing teeth with tap is fine) and be wary of some street food. You’re probably going to get some stomach bout here or there, but unless it is deathly painful, it will pass in a matter of days. Otherwise start on antibiotics or see a doctor.
Language
Definitely try to learn Khmer. You will be rewarded with more Cambodian friends, lower prices, and certainly more respect. Even though a lot of people speak English here, they really appreciate it when foreigners can speak some Khmer (“K’mai” in Cambodian). Learn the everyday phrases, like how to speak in a restaurant or when you’re negotiating prices in a market. Don’t worry too much if it’s difficult for you, usually only a few phrases will earn you respect and English is the second language here.
Everyday Life
One thing that you should know is that in Cambodian culture, it is not cool to lose yourself publicly. In general, Cambodians believe in “saving face,” which means not showing that you are very upset or angry. It’s also normal for Cambodians to kind of avoid confrontation. If there’s a problem, it might go ignored and if someone has a problem with you, you might go ignored (unlikely but good to know). For example, after I had accidentally paid for our bi-weekly water supply, our landlady told us that she had already paid too, thus paying double for the service. We thought, Oh we’ll just talk to the water people and tell them so we can get our money back. However the landlady insisted that we do not discuss this matter anymore and just forget about it.
People here are very patient and one of the most popular sayings I hear daily can be translated to, “it’s not a problem.” Cambodians, though tough and busy workers, are very willingly to do things for you and offer you food or a ride. They’re generosity is endless, so don’t be a fool taking advantage of it.
Public displays of affection are a big no-no, unless it’s friendly or with someone of the same sex (homo-sexual relationships are not really recognized). Even holding hands is an offence, so don’t think about trying anything else.
Cambodians have a prominent work ethic. They tend to wake up very early and work six days a week (Monday to Saturday).
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to try new things. One of these things is the snacks that are on display at food carts on every street. You should know that Cambodians are overall extremely nice people who want to help you, and they’re very curious about foreigners. Say “hello” to the “hello ambushes” you’ll be confronted with daily. Like many travel writers before me have written about Cambodia, if you’re having a bad day, just smile at anyone on the street because you are sure to receive a big, warm smile back.
- Bridget T, Cambodia
Why GSC?
I grew up traditional Maasai. My father had two wives and 20 kids, and I didn’t start school until I was 11. Then my father died when I was 18, and I took responsibility for the family. But eventually, with help from other people, I got to go back to school and earned a teacher’s certificate. Now I am earning a degree in community development. I was looking for a hands-on field practicum to go with the theoretical knowledge I gained in course studies. Another student, who was a former Global Service Corps volunteer, told me that GSC does exactly what I want to do with my degree. I want to empower people, like Maasai groups, poor families, and orphans at the community level. I want to teach in a way that directly helps poor people, because I got to this level in my life by people helping me.
- Noah L., Tanzania
Wednesdays
The markets, it’s the markets I love most when out and about on a Wednesday afternoon…
- Susan B., Thailand
Amazing, Incredible, Life Changing
Sitting in the back of the temple at night, listening to the monks chant is incredible. It has been an amazing, unique experience to be able to interact so closely with them and learn about their culture. Last night after chanting and meditation, two monks stayed behind to tell us about the temple, Buddha, and short stories of their religion. It was incredible getting a first hand account of what Buddhism means to them. Everyone at the Wat has been so nice and eager to integrate us into their community, and I think our teaching them and the village children has had an impact on the local community
This program has been a unique, life-changing experience that I will carry with me always. I hope many others will be introduced to it and have a similar experience.
- Reid M., Thailand
Would you consider a unique, life-changing experience in Thailand? To find out more, visit Global Service Corps .
