I think a common myth regarding traveling abroad is the idea that you will be coming to help the unfortunate, when really, my goals have always been to learn from the culture and work with the local population to solve problems they are facing in a sustainable way. It's important to view global (health) work in this way, because you cannot hope to "save" a group of people without understanding them first and foremost.

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I learned so much about many animals and learned how to identify birds by their plumage variation and even their calls.

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A few minutes go by and the man comes back out to see us and is carrying a plate of beautiful voluptuous purple grapes. Could it be? Is it possible that these were the very same type of grapes I see with ridiculous price tags in Hong Kong grocers?

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Although I normally hate doing anything alone, I appreciated my solo adventure. I was able to wander for hours in the hot sun and explore every single cluster of historic rocks at my own pace. That day I gained confidence in my ability to travel alone and I learned to appreciate the spontaneity of Rome.

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Each and every activity we had planned was an adventure. I kayaked in mangroves, observed the rainforest in a cable car, went rafting on Christmas, snorkeled with sea turtles, zip lined, and made lots of friends along the way.

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While the classes taught me so much, I was so enthralled in the culture of not just Belgium but other parts of Europe as well when traveling on the weekends. I got to experience the World Cup games in Belgium and the final in France, Bastille Day in Paris, the monumental NATO meeting in Brussels, and so many other unforgettable memories.

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I really enjoyed being on UCD's campus and having the opportunity to travel throughout Ireland and Europe. Ireland is a great place to be and there's so much fun to be had. The staff really care about you at UCD and the community is great.

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I would study abroad again in a heartbeat. It can be scary to be half way around the world and 12 hours apart but when you are learning about things you love with like-minded individuals the time flies by.

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My career goal is to work for disadvantaged and exploited individuals. So, to hear the sex workers stories and to find out how happy they truly are in their careers was interesting because coming from a culture where sex is so taboo and not talked about, it was an overwhelming experience to take how you're raised and what your taught as "wrong" and switch your thinking.

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The seminar was my first time being out of the country for two weeks, and it was a little scary to be away from my family, but the friends I made on this program became another family. It was incredible to be able to come to Michigan State and already have friends that you shared a life changing journey with; not many other people have that opportunity.

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