Category: Introductions

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!

Introducing Namugga Nakayiza

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Pictures were captured in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I took an interterm course abroad during my Spring Break in 2023 where I studied Social Justice & Photography.

What is/are your major(s)?

International Studies & Sociology

What is/are your minor(s)?

Spanish

What is the name of your study abroad program?

MSID: International Development in Thailand

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

Chiang Mai, Thailand

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

Something I’d like the blog readers to know about me that they wouldn’t know by just looking at me is that I am someone who comes from a family that settled in the U.S. My family migrated to the U.S. from Uganda and I previously lived abroad when I was younger. I have also travelled to several countries throughout my lifetime. I really enjoy traveling and aspire to see the entire world.

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

One thing I am most anticipating about my study abroad experience is observing the similarities and differences between Thai culture and my own personal culture. I can’t wait to indulge in a community with different foods, ways of communication, and forms of respect. It’s also going to be really interesting to see how media and society influence how they perceive me.

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

I decided to study abroad because I want to explore the world. I chose Thailand as my country to visit because I’ve never been to the continent of Asia and I’ve always been intrigued with Thai culture. Thailand is really fascinating to me because there’s a huge influence it has on American restaurant culture and yet its history is not talked about often. I was inspired by my mother’s love for traveling to study abroad. As an International Studies major, this program would also be beneficial for me considering I aspire to work for a Non-Governmental Organization. Studying abroad will allow me the chance to further understand my studies and broaden my perspective.

Pictures were captured in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I took an interterm course abroad during my Spring Break in 2023 where I studied Social Justice & Photography.