My Study Abroad Experience
During the Fall 2017 I had the luxury and pleasure to study abroad through the Semester at Sea program. I boarded the MV World Odyssey on September 7th, 2017 and sailed around the world for 106 days. I went from Europe, to Africa, to Asia, discovering cultures, and learning about the world around me. Never would I have imagined how much I would have learned and experienced in jus a couple of months.
The amount of knowledge I gained and amazing experiences I had are extensive and I am extremely grateful for all I was able to accomplish. Thousands of memories were created but here I have listed just a few of my favorite times, one from each of the places I visited.
During my time in Spain I was able to visit Barcelona and Valencia. In Barcelona, I was able to visit various sites designed by Antoni Gaudi including La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell. These sites were absolutely astounding and huge marvels. I had the opportunity to learn about these sites, their history, and the amazing Antoni Gaudi.
My most memorable time in Ghana was visiting this school pictured above and spending time with these amazing students. I was able to witness how the school was run and even watch a performance done by the students to welcome us. Later, I was placed in a classroom for a few hours and had the opportunity to observe the teaching and later teach them through songs and dance from my culture. They performed for us some of their typical dances and showed us instances of their culture.
While in South Africa I did something I have never done before, hike. I was able to hike to the top of Table Mountain over 3,500 feet above sea level. It took over 3 hours through the burning sun, fog, and freezing rain but it truly was an experience of a lifetime.
In Myanmar, I visited a local school in Thanylin While there, I volunteered my time serving them lunch from the food we donated as well as spent time entertaining the children. By watching these children I was able to witness the respect they have for their elders among many other factors of their culture.
In India I had the pleasure of visiting the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I learned that it was built by Shah Jahan after his third wife Mumtaz Mahal died. Besides the usual view of the Taj Mahal we were able to have a less common but equally spectacular view from across the river to where the black Taj Mahal would have been built if his son would have let him.
In Vietnam, I learned how to cross the crazy streets of Ho Chi Minh City and had the opportunity to go up to the Saigon Skydeck of the Bitexco Financial Tower to see a full view of the beautiful city.
While in China I visited Shanghai and then went on a program to explore Beijing, including seeing another world wonder, The Great Wall of China. I went on the Mutainyu side and even had the ability to go on a slide down the side. Additionally, I went to Tiannamen square and Tiantan Park where I learned about their culture, including that elders have their own parks to workout. I attended a traditional tea ceremony and a home cooked lunch with a local family.
During my time in Japan I was able to see the distinction between their culture and that of others. Everything was very tranquil, organized, and family oriented. It was very interesting to see.
Lastly, I visited Hawaii and was able to absorb the beauties of the natural world.