Summer Study Abroad in Tanzania

Nate Roland

Studying abroad in Tanzania was an experience that reshaped my perspective in ways I couldn’t have imagined. When I first stepped off the plane, it felt surreal; I could hardly believe I was actually in a place so different from everything I’d known. As we drove to the program center, the vibrant culture of Tanzania began to unfold before my eyes. I was struck by the sight of young children herding cattle along the roadside and local vendors displaying their handmade crafts. It was a stark contrast to my life back home, and I quickly realized just how much I’d taken for granted, like the opportunity to attend college and study abroad. The initial disbelief I felt at being there soon turned into a deep sense of humility and gratitude, as any complaints or worries I had vanished, replaced by thoughts of all the things I’d overlooked in my daily life.

What left the biggest mark on me was the immense warmth and hospitality of the Tanzanian people, who welcomed us so openly into their community. Their grace and patience made me reflect on my own life and inspired me to embrace these attributes in my personality. My study abroad experience in Tanzania reignited my interest in anthropology and unexpectedly deepened my understanding of business. Last year, in my cultural anthropology class, I learned about an immersive approach to study called ethnography, where you live within and absorb an external culture to understand it from an internal perspective. This concept made me curious to conduct anthropological research myself, and it still feels surreal that I had the privilege of doing so.

While the program focused on conservation, I observed how business and conservation efforts are closely intertwined. Witnessing the daily interactions between people and wildlife made me realize the significance of carnivore conservation in Tanzania, due to its deep connection with the local economy. I learned how educating local communities about conservation can drive sustainable practices by emphasizing the benefits of conservation over poaching. It was also intriguing to see that many college graduates I met majored in tourism, highlighting how central carnivore conservation is to the Tanzanian people and their economy. Engaging with local business owners and entrepreneurs in Tanzania really opened my eyes to their resourceful and innovative approaches. Although they were working with limited resources, they always showed hospitality and found ways to improvise. Seeing how they tackled challenges and sustained their businesses sparked my interest in applying the same approach and mindset to my own entrepreneurial ventures.

This experience was eye-opening in learning more about the world and society outside of California. One of my main reasons for traveling to Tanzania was to challenge my expectations, which were based entirely on what I’d been taught and told by others. It was refreshing to immerse myself in the culture and learn about Africa’s history firsthand. There was so much I will forever remember, but what has most stuck with me is the opportunity I have with the many great resources around me. Seeing the constant smiles and warmth, despite living in what many in the U.S. would associate with less, made me much more appreciative. Another small takeaway was the Swahili saying ‘pole pole,’ which means slowly or carefully. That saying also represents the approach to life in Tanzania, in contrast to the fast-paced, consumer-driven culture in the U.S.