SUMMER 2023 SEO ALUMNI: GERTRUDE APPIAH-ACKAH
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How would you describe your EP to someone who has never heard of it before?
Through the Experiment in International Living, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in France, immersing myself in the culture. During this time, I participated in typical French activities and stayed with a host family for a week to gain a deeper understanding of their way of life. With my group of 16 and two leaders, we explored cities such as Paris, Nancy, and Toulouse before embarking on a three-day road trip to Montreux, Switzerland. This experience was truly eye-opening and allowed me to participate in activities I had never done before.
What is a typical day like during your EP?
Every day, I wake up at 7 am to have breakfast by 8 am. After breakfast, our group leaders assign us to head out at about 8:30 am. We spend the morning visiting famous locations, such as the Louvre Museum, for about three hours. We are then given 20 euros to have lunch with our friends and assigned a meeting time to continue exploring other monuments or go on a scavenger hunt. After more tours and activities, we have dinner together, and then we get money to go get dessert with our friends and explore on our own. We are told to return to the hotel at 10:00 pm and be ready for bed by 11:00 pm.
What was the biggest challenge of your EP?
My main challenge was connecting with people of different races. I preferred interacting with familiar faces, but I had to learn to step outside my comfort zone. It was also difficult to feel at ease with my host family due to the language barrier, but we eventually made it work.
What was the biggest reward of your EP?
The biggest reward for me was expanding my network. I met many new faces who welcomed me and were open to making bonds. It was also rewarding to be around different races and cultures for a long period of time to prepare myself for encounters I might get in college. Finally, this eye-opening experience gave me new events to write about for my college application!
What do you wish you had known before you went on your EP?
I wish I knew how to swim. I made plans of taking swimming lessons but didn't follow through with it so I prevented myself from experiencing exciting things like canoeing.
What advice do you have for future SEO scholars who are considering your EP?
I advise future SEO scholars to choose EIL! This trip gives you the chance to explore two different countries in one set and exposes you to the real world. Abroad, you become your own individual which gives you the chance to explore yourself and the activities you love to do. The only sad part is the fact that it lasts for only 3 weeks but those weeks will be life-changing, trust!
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