Reflections on the Tanzania Summer Study Abroad 

by Sarah Cotter

As an adult student, I never dreamed of studying abroad when I decided to finish my Bachelor’s in Biology at Stony Brook in the spring of 2017. However, when I started classes in the fall, I was lucky enough to have Study Abroad & Exchange Manager Mariam Isack come to my class to lecture on the countless benefits of study abroad. The Tanzania program was the one that made the biggest impression on me, not only due to the academic benefits, but for the extracurricular activities as well. I was able to witness foreign health care systems first hand and gain memories that will last a lifetime.

Photo: Stony Brook biology major Sarah Cotter explores a local art shop in Mto Wa Mbu during the 2018 Tanzania Summer Study Abroad program.

The faculty-led program consisted of visits to various health care facilities throughout Tanzania, with an additional internship extension that allowed me to job shadow at a local hospital through a peer mentoring program. The faculty and program leaders were invaluable to us students, accompanying us throughout the program. From getting by day to day in-country to leading us through health care facilities with actual medical professionals, the faculty provided invaluable information that I wouldn’t have been able to get on my own. It contributed an extra sense of bonding and community among the students, as we spent a considerable amount of time together each day throughout the duration of the program.

Being able to observe foreign healthcare systems at work solidified my passion for pursuing a career in the health sciences. Medicine has always been a passion of mine, but up until this program I had only had experiences on the non-clinical end. Being able to walk through hospitals and clinics in Tanzania, under the guidance of faculty, was an experience I would never have had without this program. Since returning home, I am now more determined and passionate than ever in making my career in medicine a reality. From my experience in Tanzania, I was even lucky enough to be able to shadow Dr. Thomas Bilfinger, one of our Stony Brook faculty leaders, in his OR at Stony Brook University Hospital.

All in all, this experience was the opportunity of a lifetime, and I would highly encourage all prospective SBU students to apply for study abroad programs in the future!