Scholars have profound experiences living and working with local community members.  Below past scholars share some thoughts about their time on the Institute.

“I have met so many amazing people in the last few weeks!  My host family for one, has been incredibly gracious and welcoming to Yem (my roommate) and I. Gloria, the mom, or ‘manana’ in Shangaan, went to college and now works as a financial administrator.”

- Lauren Gray, South Africa Scholar, Franklin & Marshall College

“It was then, sitting exhausted in the grass with women I had only just met, that I began to truly feel like a part of the community.”

- Becca Toole, Kenya, University of Pittsburgh

“Seeing community members embrace this opportunity is both inspiring and a source of motivation for me.  This experience has opened my eyes to how rewarding it can be to step back and allow others to take charge.”

- Sebastian Buffa, South Africa, Northwestern University

“It is interesting how I have transformed myself acknowledging that humans are humans everywhere embellished with rich and diverse culture and tradition.  No barriers.  No wall and no boundary is necessary to have a better appreciation of others.”

- Yemeserach Mekonnen, South Africa, Southern Polytechnic State University

 

“When they told me to “think impact” I thought of the impact I would make on others. I never considered the impact on me.”

- Philip Johnson, Kenya, University of the Pacific

“I am astonished by how “strong” people here are. When I say this, I do not mean their physical strength, but their mentality, especially the women and the kids.”

- SungHwan (Paku) Park, South Africa, Northwestern University