“My time abroad was much different than what most consider ‘study abroad.’ The first week of the program entailed learning about what it means to be involved in a sustainable community program. It sounds like a simple explanation, but there is a lot of theory and communication skills to learn. You can’t go into a community and tell them what they should do to fix a problem. You have to hear what they want, learn from them and show them alternatives. It’s called a sustainable solution for a reason; if you were to leave the community it should continue without your presence.
I always planned on going to graduate school, however public health wasn’t my area of interest until after I returned. Before, I was specifically interested in Public Administration and policy. Over time and additional research, I found that I was much more interested in health and education. My time abroad, and the work I did in a low resource setting among such a beautiful group of kids definitely inspired me to go into public health.
I would say that my trip abroad was my inspiration, and has continued to be my inspiration.” – Dorie, from the United States
