This was my first time leaving the U.S. and traveling without family. I was excited, nervous, and ready to challenge myself. From the moment we landed and stepped directly onto the tarmac, I knew I was in for something new. I experienced early culture shock, realizing people drive on the left and weave through traffic in ways that made me nervous at first. But I quickly came to appreciate the rhythm of life in Tanzania.
During our first
Tanzania touched every one of my senses: the sight of monkeys leaping across rooftops, the taste of ginger tea and fish masala, the sound of people joyfully greeting one another with “Mambo!” or “Habari.” These daily interactions reminded me of how warm and connected communities can be. It made me wish people were more like that back home.
The academic portion of the program was equally impactful. At Manyara Secondary School, I helped set up internet routers, fixed electrical cords, built Ethernet cables, and worked on laptop repairs. I even helped lead a Python coding class for students, something I never imagined myself doing. As someone pursuing a tech career, this hands-on experience helped strengthen my skills, leadership, and confidence in a real-world setting.
What surprised me most was how deeply I connected with the students. One moment that stuck with me was talking to a group of girls at Manyara about life in the U.S. and my college experience. Their curiosity
If there’s a myth I’d love to bust, it’s that studying abroad is too dangerous. Before going, I heard people say things like, “Is it safe?” or “Aren’t you scared to travel that far?” There’s a stereotype that studying abroad, especially in certain countries, is too dangerous. But I never once felt unsafe in Tanzania. Our program leaders prioritized our well-being, and the people we met were welcoming and kind. In fact, I felt more looked after and connected than I often do back home. Traveling abroad taught me that fear shouldn’t hold you back, especially when what’s on the other side is growth, adventure, and connection.
As a first-generation college student, this opportunity meant even more to me. I got to see the world, contribute to meaningful work, and grow in ways I never expected. This program wasn’t just a passport stamp; it was a life-changer.
Name: Brianna Boone
Status: Senior
Major: Information Science
Hometown: Belleville, Michigan
Program: Designing Technology Solutions for Schools in Africa