Category: Europe

Introducing Lindsay Baker

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What is/are your major(s)?

Anthropology

What is/are your minor(s)?

International Studies, Human Health Systems & Sciences, Leadership Studies, Urban Studies

What is the name of your study abroad program(s)?

MSID: International Development in Senegal

In what city & country is your study abroad program located?

Dakar, Senegal

What is something you would like the blog readers to know about you that they wouldn’t know by just looking at you?

I love trivia games! I was on competitive quiz bowl teams throughout middle and high school, and once auditioned for Teen Jeopardy!

What is one thing that you are most anticipating about your study abroad experience?

Since I will be abroad for the entire academic year, and do not plan to return to the United States during programs, I anticipate dealing with a wide range of emotions during my time abroad. Right now, I am experiencing the excitement and many other positive feelings associated with studying abroad, but it is inevitable that I will feel homesickness and other negative emotions throughout the year that I am abroad. However, I am also excited to lean into the resilience and problem-solving skills that I will develop as a result of dealing with this gamut of emotions.

Why did you decide to study abroad? or What inspired you to study abroad?

Both of my parents were fortunate to study abroad in complete language immersion while in college, and as a child, our family hosted many foreign exchange students as my parents’ commitment to paying it forward to other students wanting to study abroad. Thus, studying abroad has always been a goal of mine in college and was one of the major reasons I chose to attend DU. As I’ve progressed in my academic journey at DU, the importance of understanding diverse world views has only become more crystallized, and further inspired me to pursue an entire year of study abroad.

Photo is of Garden of the Gods; I was born and raised in Colorado Springs and GotG is one of my favorite places in the world!

One final au revoir

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As my voyages came to a close late last week, I have a variety of emotions going through my mind. Excited to see my family, nervous about re-adjusting to the culture here, proud of how far I have come in my language skills and extremely sad to leave behind this wonderful place and people I have come to know. My heart has never been more full than the final Friday of the semester.

IAU held a closing ceremony for all the students, and I was lucky enough to receive an award for my exceptional French skills. The reception following the ceremony, I was able to share final moments with my professors and fellow students who have completely changed my life for the better. Later that night, my group of four girls went to get a drink for the last time at our usual brasserie in the town square. We recounted all of our memories from first impressions to our favorite café and our highlights. These girls have shaped me and I will forever be grateful for each one of them.

All in all, these truly have been the best four months of my life. Despite some troublesome times, which happen anywhere, I have grown so much and learned to be confident in who I am. I hope this is not a once in a lifetime experience, but should it be, this was one hell of a ride and my heart is so full.