"Though in some of my programs, I have been 'alone,' I never felt truly alone with the connections I made before and during my experiences..."
My Columbia experience has allowed me to truly travel the world, visiting 7 countries (Germany, Kenya, Jordan, France, Italy, Chile, and Canada) on 5 continents. I have visited 4 Columbia Global Centers (Nairobi, Amman, Paris, and Santiago) and will visit Tunis in January. With these experiences, I hope my insights can grant enriching lessons for your future opportunities abroad!
Harrison meeting a giraffe during their time in Nairobi
Before traveling, I always connect with peers who have lived where I am going and ask questions relating to logistical safety, what to do, and what to eat. Friends of friends and extended family will do! Generally, people are open to sharing their experiences, providing an opportunity to feel more comfortable in your arrival and build connections.
Though in some of my programs, I have been “alone,” I never felt truly alone with the connections I made before and during my experiences to stay safe and socially integrated.
In particular, language learning has helped me understand a location's culture before stepping foot into a new space. With the FUBiS Summer German Language Scholarships program in Berlin, taking German courses through Columbia provided many cultural insights that enriched my experience in Berlin. I distinctly remember learning about schrebergarten (liberty gardens) in my class; passing them as I entered the city for the first time excited me.
To prepare for my trip to Kenya with the Kraft Global Fellowship, I took private Swahili lessons online. My tutor was a college student living near Nairobi, so her perspective helped me learn more about youth life in Kenya and recommended great gifts to bring home. During the Fellowship, I had the opportunity to deliver a speech in Swahili at our University of Nairobi event, which was an amazing honor.
Harrison in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile's Patagonia
