What inspired you to go abroad?
I decided to go abroad because I wanted to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone by traveling internationally for the first time.
As a computer science student, what really inspired me was the desire to apply my technical skills to a practical project that could actually contribute to the well-being of a community. Working with the FIEN Foundation allowed me to gain a new perspective on global development while building something tangible for the Green Apple Primary School.
Beyond the technical side, I was motivated by the chance to experience a completely different culture. I wanted to see how a collective society functions, learn how planning and communication work in a different environment, and witness the natural beauty of Tanzania firsthand, from the mountains of Morogoro to the wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater.
At the FIEN Foundation office, we continued developing the web project for Green Apple Primary School, focusing on improving and refining the website and data management system earlier introduced to teachers and school management for better usability and efficiency.
This journey was about proving to myself that I could adapt to a new world, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact through my work.
Why did you choose FIEN Foundation?
I chose to intern with the FIEN Foundation to apply my computer science skills in a real-world setting where I could make a meaningful impact. The program allowed me to work directly with a local school, developing a website to support communication between the school, parents, and stakeholders.
I was also drawn to the chance to experience a different culture, challenge myself outside my comfort zone, and grow both technically and personally through hands-on work and community engagement.
What was your favorite part about Tanzania?
My favorite part about staying in Morogoro was the perfect blend of natural beauty and vibrant community life. I loved being surrounded by the mountains, especially during hikes to places like Choma Waterfalls, where the views were both challenging and rewarding.
Beyond nature, what stood out most was the warmth of the people, the strong sense of community, daily greetings, and genuine hospitality, which made me feel welcomed and connected throughout my stay.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was the unique combination of meaningful work, cultural immersion, and adventure.
Working with the FIEN Foundation allowed me to apply my technical skills to a real project that directly benefited a local school, which made my work feel impactful and rewarding. At the same time, living in Morogoro exposed me to a highly social and welcoming culture where everyday interactions, greetings, and relationships truly mattered.
Outside of work, exploring Tanzania, from hiking to waterfalls to visiting incredible wildlife destinations like Ngorongoro Crater, gave me unforgettable experiences that balanced hard work with adventure.
We camped overnight in Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant village known for its rich culture and diverse communities, enjoying the local atmosphere. The next day, we traveled to the Ngorongoro Crater, a world-famous natural wonder known for its wildlife, scenery, and vast volcanic caldera.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff at the FIEN Foundation supported me in so many meaningful ways throughout my program.
From the beginning, they organized an orientation week that helped me understand the culture, expectations, and work environment. They also introduced me to Swahili classes, which made it much easier to communicate and connect with the local community.
What stood out the most was their care and kindness. When I got sick, they immediately assisted me, took me to the hospital, and ensured I received proper medical treatment until I fully recovered.
Their support went beyond professional guidance; they were truly an amazing and caring team.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done differently during my time abroad is to engage even more deeply with the local culture from the very beginning.
Although I learned a lot and built meaningful connections during my internship with the FIEN Foundation, I feel like I could have taken more initiative earlier to practice Swahili daily, explore more local communities, and participate in additional cultural activities.
Looking back, I realize that stepping further out of my comfort zone sooner would have allowed me to gain an even richer and more immersive experience.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
Green Apple Primary School provides a reliable and well-organized transport system for its students through specially designated school buses that commute students from their homes to school and back again.
A typical day during my time abroad with the FIEN Foundation in Morogoro started in the morning with breakfast and greetings with the host family, which was an important part of daily life.
I would then head to the office or project site, where I worked on developing a website for a local school, collaborating with staff and applying my technical skills. Throughout the day, I interacted with colleagues and community members, often practicing Swahili and learning more about the culture.
After work, I spent time exploring the town, visiting local markets, or relaxing with friends.
Some days included Swahili classes or group activities, and on weekends, I would go on trips, hikes, or safaris, making each day both productive and memorable.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time abroad, I really enjoyed a mix of cultural and social activities that made my experience in Morogoro both fun and meaningful.
Every Sunday, we had host family visits organized by the FIEN Foundation, which gave me a great opportunity to connect with local families, learn more about Tanzanian traditions, and experience daily life in a very authentic way.
During weekends, I also loved spending time with friends; sometimes we would explore the town, and other times, especially on weekend nights, I would go out to clubs to relax, enjoy music, and socialize.
This balance between cultural immersion and fun social moments made my free time truly enjoyable and memorable.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I had an apartment-type accommodation during my stay in Morogoro, arranged through the FIEN Foundation. The apartment was fully furnished and included everything I needed, such as a well-equipped kitchen, a comfortable bedroom, a cozy living room, a TV set, a nice sofa, and even a hot shower.
What I liked most was how spacious and comfortable it was; it honestly felt better than my hostel back in the USA. Having a private, well-equipped space made it easy to relax after work and feel at home throughout my stay.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know before joining the program with the FIEN Foundation is that it is both a professional and cultural immersion experience, not just an internship.
You should be prepared to actively engage with the local community, adapt to a different working environment, and be open to learning new cultural norms, especially in a highly social setting like Morogoro.
Simple things like greetings and networking are very important in daily life. Also, expect to grow beyond your technical work, through Swahili learning, cultural exchange, and meaningful community interactions.
Being flexible, open-minded, and ready to step outside your comfort zone will make the experience much more rewarding and successful.
At Green Apple Primary School, we taught students how to build a simple website and a basic data management system through hands-on activities. We also introduced internet safety, guiding them on responsible use and how to avoid hackers, scammers, and online threats.
Would you recommend the Web Development Internship to others? Why?
Yes, I would strongly recommend this program and the FIEN Foundation to other students and young professionals. The experience goes far beyond a typical internship because it combines practical technical work, cultural immersion, and personal growth.
Working in Morogoro allowed me to apply my computer science skills in a meaningful way while also learning Swahili, adapting to a new environment, and engaging with a very welcoming community. The support from staff, including orientation, Swahili classes, and even medical assistance when needed, was excellent.
Overall, it is a well-organized program that challenges you, supports you, and helps you grow both professionally and personally.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad, in my experience, is the personal and professional transformation that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and engaging with a completely different environment.
While working with the FIEN Foundation in Morogoro, I gained practical technical skills, especially in web development, and learned how to apply them in a real community context. At the same time, I developed a deeper understanding of cultural diversity, communication, and adaptability.
Traveling abroad also broadened my perspective on life, taught me independence, and helped me grow confidence in both my personal and professional abilities.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has had a lasting impact on my life both personally and professionally.
My experience with the FIEN Foundation in Morogoro helped me grow significantly in confidence, independence, and adaptability. I returned with stronger technical skills in web development, as well as a better understanding of how to apply technology to solve real community needs.
A visit to a Maasai village offered a unique opportunity to learn about and experience African culture in its most authentic and traditional form. It was a deeply enriching experience that allowed us to observe and participate in the daily life, customs, and traditions of the Maasai people.
On a personal level, I gained a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity, especially the importance of communication, greetings, and relationships in everyday life. I also learned to be more open-minded and flexible in different environments.
Overall, the experience shaped my mindset, improved my problem-solving abilities, and continues to influence how I approach both academic and professional opportunities today.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me means going beyond tourism and actively engaging with people, culture, and community in a way that creates real impact and personal growth.
During my time with the FIEN Foundation in Morogoro, I experienced this firsthand by working on a school website project, learning Swahili, and interacting closely with local families and colleagues. It also meant understanding daily life, respecting cultural differences, and contributing my skills in a way that benefits others.
For me, meaningful travel is when you return home not only with memories, but also with new perspectives, stronger skills, and a deeper appreciation of the world.