Courtney Lett: France

August 10, 2015

The most beautiful thing about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is that there isn’t a language barrier. The laws of physics, the chemical makeup of water, the sum of adding two numbers, etc. will be the same no matter the country, continent, or hemisphere.

This summer I’ve been performing computer science research at L’Institut Nationale des Sciences Appliquées de Strasbourg in France. My lab in particular creates programs to classify satellite-images of the earth’s surface. I came into the summer not knowing what to expect but I was confident in my abilities.

There’s a limited number of programming languages used around the world, and logic behind computing algorithms remains the same globally. Despite beginning the summer with very limited French I rarely had trouble communicating in the lab. Of course, speaking with people on the street in everyday conversation was a completely different struggle. Being immersed in a new place alone and living day to day with a new language for ten weeks was an unforgettable experience of self-reflection, growth, and discovery.

Being in Europe also gave me the opportunity to travel to several different countries. Still I found myself extremely overwhelmed at times. Fortunately my research provided a strong sense of familiarity and comfort in a way that I could have never anticipated. My time in France strengthened my love for science, and I hope I can encourage women and people of color to pursue STEM and international travel.

Amman | Jordan  Fall 2013 — *Amman | Jordan Fall 2013*

Bouchra Danielkebir: Jordan

July 27, 2015

It’s 5 PM and I walk outside the house thinking “whoosh, boy is it hot!” It was probably 85 degrees Celsius and I was wearing a long maxi dress with a jean jacket that covered my arms. I’m thinking “this is pretty modest, cute and casual, shouldn’t attract too much attention.” No, I was mistaken. It took no more than a 2 minute walk down the street to hear cars honking and to see guys blow kisses out their windows. Gross. My host sister seemed to think it was funny. I wasn’t amused in the least bit. I had prepared myself for this, but let’s be real … this is no different than what I would experience at home, especially in Atlanta. Guys are constantly out of pocket.

Anywho, I continued on my merry way to the salon. I just wanted to get my hair done! Luckily, I was in and out in under a half hour. I paid 5 Jordanian Dinars — which is the equivalent to about $6-7 — and my hair was gone-with-the-wind fabulous. No flat iron needed either, just a blow dryer. Yes, I was in heaven.

I didn’t have to deal with any harassment on the way back and totally forgot about my experience because I had thought nothing of it until my host sister told her mom and dad about what happened. Everyone started laughing. I joked and told them that I was just going to start wearing a hijab to repel unwanted attention. They all laughed harder and began to explain how that wouldn’t help at all! Confused, I asked them to elaborate.

Indian Ocean at Mossel Point, South AfricaJames is a candidate for a Masters in Divinity at Vanderbilty University — Indian Ocean at Mossel Point, South Africa
James is a candidate for a Masters in Divinity at Vanderbilty University

James Dennis: South Africa

July 18, 2015

Note to self: There are some beauties that cannot be documented by device. These are to only be experienced fully and freely by the senses. South Africa has been an ecstasy of beauty: encompassing amazing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that cannot be escaped. They are in your face; ready to be explored and experienced. Constantly morphing into something new to see, or touch, or taste, or hear, or smell, or see, touch, taste, hear, and smell all at the same time. If you grab a camera, you may miss South Africa’s true beauty. Because beyond the aesthetic glory and majesty of rolling hills and mighty mountains or breathe-taking sea lined coasts, is a secret beauty hiding that must be teased out of destinations not so pleasing to the eye. This beauty is to be experienced, not simply captured.

First stop: Soweto.

Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls, Spring 2012

Quamisha Desroches: South Africa

July 18, 2015

My study abroad experience was unique in the sense that I did not receive college credit, but I gained an unforgettable experience. I had the privilege of serving as an Intern at Oprah Winfrey's Leadership Academy for Girls in the spring of 2012. Being abroad for that semester completely pulled me out of my comfort zone and opened my eyes to a world that television simply could not justify. The food, music, people, and weather were all new concepts to me- but I embraced and learned to love them all just the same. I went to beaches, concerts, schools, markets, mountains, and malls. I gained lifelong friendships and sisterhoods. I loved, grew, learned, advocated, laughed, cried, smiled, gave, received, and traveled. Studying abroad in South Africa pushed me forth into my purpose, and for that I am forever grateful.

Jasmine Nethels: France

July 14, 2015

I studied abroad in Strasbourg, France from January 2013-May 2013. I chose France because I wanted to strengthen my French speaking skills and totally immerse myself in the French culture. I lived with a native host family while I was there and needless to say I achieved both of my goals! I experienced homesickness around the second month of being there and overcame it by regularly talking to my family and friends through Skype. Being abroad changed my perspective on life because it allowed me to see that I take a lot of luxuries that we have in America for granted. I also learned a great deal about racism, sexism and tensions between different religious communities there. My experience was life changing and I would encourage everyone to study abroad somewhere at some point in their life.

Leonard Horne: Argentina

July 14, 2015

Boarding the plane to Buenos Aires, I was wide-eyed and naïve, elevated yet petrified. I hadn't been acquainted with the culture, and I knew I'd be a visible minority there. Moreover, it wasn't my first choice for study abroad (given my circumstances at the time, it was my only choice), and my handle of Spanish was laughable. The fears I tallied overshadowed my excitement to immerse myself in what I would soon discover is an enchanting country with an irresistible culture and remarkable history.

On the long flight over, I met the most endearing Argentine family: that experience gave me a new lease on life —dread was replaced by a gleaming hope. Upon disembarking the plane, far out from my comfort zone, I firmly decided to embrace the rare chance to study—to live—abroad. And live I did: whether it was roaming the streets of the historic Recoleta neighborhood where I boarded, socializing with and admiring the work of creatives in Palermo, or studying Castellano with my ebullient Argentine tutor (whom I sought out upon arrival), I lived. I danced. I ate and I drank. I fell in love.

I will never forget my experience studying abroad in el Cono del Sur; and I will carry those moments with me for the rest of my life.

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