At International Arts & Artists, we love hearing about the incredible experiences our exchange visitors have during their programs! From exploring new cities to experiencing different cultures, exchanges expand our understanding of the world around us. We know all about the power of exchanges — in fact, many of our team members have studied, worked, or lived abroad! So, we’re launching a new blog series called “Travel Tales from the Team” where we’ll share more about our own travel experiences.
Meet Abby, our amazing spring intern! A senior at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, she is currently majoring in Cultural Anthropology and International Studies with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keep reading for more on what Abby had to say about her experiences traveling and living abroad!
Have you ever lived abroad for an extended period of time?
Yes! I had the opportunity to live and study in Tanzania for a semester during undergrad. While in Tanzania, I stayed with a host family and took courses in Swahili, anthropology, and ecology. Additionally, I completed an independent research project and paper, living in the field for a month and conducting interviews with Maasai women and men.
I miss the vibrancy of the people, my host mother’s coconut chicken curry and chapti, dancing around with my toddler-aged host brother. I also miss the brilliant cobalt, lemon and crimson kangas, juicy and succulent produce, and swinging monkeys. It was such an incredible experience that it sometimes seems surreal!
What was the first place you traveled to outside of the country?
I believe it was Canada! I was on a canoeing and portaging trip in the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota and due to weather we got sidetracked from our main route and camped in Canada. Thinking about the peacefulness of the pines, lapping cool water, and galaxy of stars and shining moon still calms me today.
Do you have a favorite place that you’ve traveled abroad?
This is a tough question! One very memorable trip was when my family went to Scotland for several weeks. We stayed in a writer’s mansion, explored the cobblestone streets, ate a lot of sausage patties, learned Scottish history, how to clay shoot, and, of course, visited a ton of castles. My favorite day was when we ventured far into Stonehaven to visit Dunnottar Castle on the coast. Crisp wind whipped our hair as we climbed the beige ruins who stood tall as turquoise waves rushed below. It was fun to imagine the royalty living there in medieval times.
Another trip that is highly memorable is the month I spent in Scandinavia! I had the opportunity to travel to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. I was with a college group so we had a fairly busy agenda. I wish I could have spent more time in one or all of the countries. Especially because the locals kept asking, “Why did you come in the winter?” So, I would love to go back during the summer; hiking along the fjords in Norway or cruising the secret lanes of Copenhagen!
What did you learn about yourself while abroad?
Every time I go abroad or travel somewhere new, I am reminded of the deep passion and excitement that comes when I learn from different people, places and cultures. Travel replenishes my curiosity about our world and how we live. I have also learned that some of the best times come when I go with the flow.
Is there a place you’ve always wanted to go?
Greece! I would love to see the many archeological sites from ancient times. I would also enjoy basking in the aquamarine sea on one of the smaller islands, wandering windy streets, and eating up that Mediterranean cuisine.
What advice do you have for people traveling or looking to travel abroad?
Take a leap of faith and go somewhere new! You never know what you might learn or discover about yourself unless you reach beyond your comfort zone. Explore, do not be afraid to ask questions (no matter how “dumb” they may seem), and try not to plan too much.