Making a traditional drum
Author: Emery Young | Majors: Accounting and Finance
After years of disappointment of cancelled study abroad trips due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I was delighted when I found out that some the trips were going to take place this summer. When I graduated in May, I had given up on the idea of being able to study abroad during my undergraduate time at the University of Arkansas. After discovering that I was still elidable to study abroad, my younger brother mentioned that he was going on this trip this summer, and it was just what I was looking for. This was not a traditional study abroad trip. This trip differed in the fact that I would not be spending my time abroad in a classroom, but rather out working and learning through hands on experience in the community. This trip helped me grow in ways that I didn’t even know possible. I was able to completely immerse myself in a foreign culture. I was able to connect with people with such a different background than myself and learn from them and their life experiences. This trip is split into 3 different class options, but no matter which classes you are enrolled in it was great to be a part of the work of each section of the trip. These classes offer an experience far different than anything offered on campus. The faculty that sponsors this trip truly have the student’s best interest in mind. They push the students far outside of their comfort zone to learn and fully immerse themselves in the community. Being in a foreign country with many other college students and being able to walk around and learn and connect with the local community pushes students in both personal and professional ways. I learned about the history of Belize, and specifically about all the different cultures. Dangriga Belize is home to many different cultures and is often referred to as a melting pot of cultures.
During my time in Belize, I had the opportunity to experience many different parts of the local culture. Each meal is prepared by local people that the University of Arkansas has created relationships with over the years. This allowed us to get a true taste of what a traditional meal there is like. The food was some of the best I have ever had! I found that the people were so welcoming and happy to have us in their town. As we walked up and down the streets everyone stopped to welcome us and ask us about our stay in Dangriga. It was also very apparent there that everyone was there to help each other out. During one of my first few days there, I lost one of my flip-flops in the ocean. Shortly after losing it, a local guy walked up and began talking to me. I told him I had just lost my flip-flop in the ocean and without hesitation, he ran to his house to grab his snorkeling gear and went out to find my shoe. Within 10 minutes he had found my flip-flop stuck in mud in the bottom of the ocean!
My advice for students looking into going on a study abroad trip to is push themselves outside of their comfort zone to truly have the best experience possible. Building these relationships and learning from the community is one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. Prior to leaving for this trip, I wish I would have known how open and welcoming everyone there was going to be, as it would have put lots of my nerves to rest. Upon returning home, one of the first things I did was share my experiences with my friends and family. I am so thankful for this experience as these memories are some that I will remember for the rest of my life.