Hello, there! I'm an international student from Cabo Verde currently studying in the United States. My name is Nélida Miranda Djassi, and I'm a rising senior at Maryville College, majoring in international studies with a minor in political science. This summer (2023), I have the incredible opportunity to do an internship in Tanzania, and I couldn't be more excited for it to start.
You may be wondering why Tanzania, or maybe not! Well, either way, I don't have an answer for that. When I heard about the opportunity to do an internship abroad, I was light up because for those who know me know how much I love an adventure, and if it is about traveling, then my answer is always "YESSS!". So, as I began this process, I just wanted to go anywhere-literally anywhere. Many people ask me why I would choose to go abroad when I am already studying abroad. I mean, why not? There is so much to see and explore out there, and I honestly couldn't resist the opportunity.
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| A close representation of the distance from Tennesse to Tanzania |
A- Embrace opportunities and flexibility: Keep your options open
While many students have a dream destination in mind when going abroad, it is beneficial to keep your options open. By being open, you increase your chances for more opportunities and options to choose from.
If you never traveled before, and even if you have traveled before, there is always gonna be the tension and inclination to choose a country solely because you are familiar with the language, but honestly, just go for it. The best way to learn is indeed living and experiencing the culture firsthand. Approaching it with an open mind will lead to great things, whether that means endless months of winter in Iceland, drinking matcha tea in China, or getting a sunburn in Puerto Rico.
B-Seeking Scholarships and financial aid
If you are desperate like I was and scared that it would be pricey and you wouldn't be able to do it. Well, you can, and there are a lot of scholarships out there to help you out. Do your research, and reach out to friends\parents\family, your advisor, and your school. So even if you think the cost may be overwhelming, just give it a shot. You never know ...
C- Overcoming fear
You still not sure...
Is okay to be scared and not want to leave your comfort zone or to not have any idea of where to start. However, the more research you do, the more information you get and new perspectives during your decision- making process.
Here are some information \ steps I took throughout this process:
1-Finding the right internship
I found my internship through Intern Abroad HQ, and if you are looking for a cheap program, I highly recommend it. My program is 6 weeks, and it involves working with an NGO on Maasai Women's Empowerment & FGM Awareness. The total program fee was $1867.95. This includes housing, food from Monday through Friday, airport pickup, and other good perks. However, visa, flights, and other additional costs were not included in that package.
2-Visa process
It was pretty easy.The cost was $50USD+(taxes) and I got the e-visa within 3 days after applying, and the organization with which I am going to do the internship sent me detailed instructions on required documentation and application process which was helpful.
3- Flight bookings
As usual, the search for flights that fit your budget is a nightmare. So it wasn't easy finding cheap flights, especially being a summer internship where a lot of people are planning for vacation destinations.
Booking your flight tickets as early as possible is ideal.
4- Preparation
I didn't need to take the OVS 203 classes, but for most of the students trying to study\intern abroad, it is a required course. If you are not familiar with the class, it is basically built with information on how to make the best of your abroad experience and on how to deal with differences and cultural expectations. I had already taken it before coming to the US, so I just end having to attend a one-a-one session with one of the international student advisors to go over some important details such as formalities, flights, vaccinations, and immigration details. So do attend this information session(class) because they are super necessary. Another thing is to meet up with your advisor early on so you get everything organized and ready to go, especially if you doing a study abroad program. The other class you will need to add is 377; in my case, my major is international studies, so INT 377, but it is all details you will work out with your advisors.
5- Packing
I have a serious problem when traveling, which is overpacking. I tend to overthink a lot, so that extends to my clothing too- so I always take extras just 'in case,' but I feel like this time, I may have done a good job... I guess. Anyways make sure to search about the weather and customs of where you going. Look into your flight company's luggage restrictions and think ahead about if you want to leave extra space for when you coming back in case you plan on buying local gifts and products.
6- Paperwork
There are a lot of other processes that look different for each student. For instance, I had to get insurance to cover for abroad health cost. As an international student, I needed to get my I-2O signed(a form that proves that you are legally enrolled in a program of study in the United States, so in order to leave the country during that period, you need 'approval' first). There was also some paperwork that needed to be done for the school, so just keep on track with what needs to be done.
7. Research
As I mentioned before, do your research and look into different sources so you can get more accurate opinions on what you looking for. Youtube travel channels were particularly helpful to me. You may also want to download currency exchange apps in case you are not familiar with the exchange rates system and the coin of the destination country.
8-Final steps
While English is spoken in the area, as a foreigner, I know the importance of knowing or at least having some knowledge of the official national language, especially since I am going to be staying in a rural area. I decided to download this app called 'speak Swahili, and I've been trying to get familiarized with some terms and pronunciation.
There are definitely other important steps I may have forgotten to mention, but make sure to ask questions to your study abroad advisor, and the rest just have fun!
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Just landed |