What inspired you to travel abroad?
I've always wanted to go abroad since I was just a little girl, specifically somewhere in Africa. I never thought it would be Uganda.
I had a few other countries in mind, but this program gave me everything I wanted in my first experience abroad, and so it ended up being Uganda. It was a time in my life I finally had the opportunity, but I know I'll be making time to keep going abroad in the future.
After a day of building clay stoves.
Why did you choose Public Health Improvement in Uganda?
I didn't like a lot of the bigger voluntourism businesses. I was attracted to the grassroots nature of The Real Uganda. They also provided so many great resources to look at to help prepare you.
I thought the materials provided were far superior to anything provided by other programs I looked at. Leslie—one of the staff members—was also really responsive to all my questions and helped me figure out things along the way. I felt supported before I even made the commitment and throughout the entire process.
What was your favorite part about Uganda?
In the Mukono area, I loved being outside of the most major cities but also in an area that offered anything you needed. It was a good mix of seeing smaller villages but also close proximity to larger areas.
Uganda as a whole has a lot to offer and it isn't so big that it isn't manageable—you can fit a lot into a weekend trip.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The organization is really what made the experience. People were welcoming and accepting and willing to help. Feeling supported when going abroad makes it so much more incredible and this organization does an exceptional job supporting their volunteers.
I specifically was with Balamu health and it gave me the opportunity to be in the community, government healthcare, private healthcare, and a school.
The watch I wear when nursing was always admired, as well as the tattoo.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The host family was extremely compassionate, kind, and welcoming. Leslie helped with ideas for weekends off and seeing more of the country. The host helped make sure I was able to find my way around before sending me out on my own.
They spent a lot of time helping me get around and were by my side whenever I needed help getting around, but also gave me confidence in going out on my own.
Did your program provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, tell us what kind of support you received.
The program discussed requirements with me that I would encounter pre-departure. I'm positive the organization is able to support individuals with different concerns or needs. I know the program is also equipped to handle Covid problems that may arise.
How did your program help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
I was reminded to come with some PPE and was also shown where I could purchase more. They were sure to let you know about an international level treatment center and to notify them if you weren't feeling well to help you in case something did happen. Other than that it's all fairly standardized protocols now.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I don't have any regrets about my time abroad. I maybe wish I would have slowed down to absorb things more, but then I don't think I would have seen as much. I think I did well keeping a very open mind and saying yes to any opportunities that were presented to me. You have to throw yourself into the work but also take time for yourself.
I thought the roads in rural Uganda were beautiful, but very rough!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I would typically get up fairly early and have a small breakfast and coffee with my host family. Then I would spend the day at the clinic and have lunch of local food with the staff there.
If it was after dark then the host would come and pick me up and we would pick up his daughter from school on the way home. If it was earlier I would just make my way back home.
Once we all got home I would bathe and then we would all have dinner together and it would be time for bed.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I was able to go rafting on the Nile River and see the source of the Nile. I was also able to go chimpanzee trekking in Kibale. I also took a safari to Murchison Falls, as well as Queen Elizabeth. I saw Mabira rainforest and went ziplining through it. There's no shortage of activities for various budgets.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a home with a host family. I liked being able to have a family to come home to every night. I also loved being able to live like the locals. When people would ask where I was staying and I would say with a family in the village they always seemed surprised. I preferred it to staying in a separate volunteer accommodation.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Everyone wants you to have a good experience and will help you get what you want, you just have to know what you're looking to get out of the experience. Everyone really is there for you and wants to make sure you're comfortable and adjusting well to a new environment. You have to have an open mind and be open in general.
The national bird, when the leg is up it is supposed to represent forward progress.
Would you recommend your program/provider to others? Why?
Absolutely! I think this program has something for anyone looking for an experience in Uganda. They really have a lot to offer and it feels as though you can find a really good work and leisure balance in your time. It isn't a super rigid program so it gives you more autonomy to decide what you need and where you want to be.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Gaining a bigger perspective and opening your mind to be able to consider things differently. It opens your eyes to a world much different than your own.
You also realize people really are people everywhere and some problems transcend cultures. It allows you to experience life differently—I think everyone should at least once in their life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad impacted my life in so many positive ways. I feel more driven to find purpose in humanitarian causes, as well as to gain more practical experience and ultimately find a career that allows me to travel or travel as part of a career.
I think I have a stronger desire to do the most good for people whenever I can at home. It makes you realize how important human connection is because there is more emphasis on it in some of the places I traveled to than at home.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is traveling with a purpose and being aware of your impact on the place you're traveling to. Meaningful travel can also be just traveling to learn and engaging with those who want to learn from you through conversation.
