Program of Study: Natural Resources Conservation
Country of Exchange: Norway
Tags: DevelopmentGo Global
Why did you choose that region of the world?
I Chose to go to the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB) for three reasons. One, I was interested in studying in Scandinavia; two, it allowed me to take different courses that are not directly available through the UBC Natural Resources Conservation program, specifically, those courses that are focused more on development; and three, I love to travel and the school offers a field course in Tanzania.
What was the highlight of your exchange?
It is hard to pick a single highlight of my time abroad, however, if I have to narrow it down I would say it is a tie between all of the wonderful friends I made and people I met, and the research experience I gained while in Tanzania. In my opinion, traveling is one of the greatest learning experiences one can have; to be introduced to a different culture and lifestyle teaches you things a classroom can’t.
A more specific experience, I was staying in a village in Mgeta, Tanzania conducting research when some women invited me to a sort of coming of age ceremony. In this tiny home filled with women, through song and dance, they taught this girl what it means to be a woman – how to clean, cook, farm, mother and be intimate with a man. It was an unbelievable experience that I feel privileged to have been a part of and I will never forget.
Future Plans
After graduation my dream is to work for an international consulting company dealing with community based natural resource management, working all over the world. But first I expect have to get a Masters degree.