Everyone talks about 'culture shock' when moving to a new place.  I have traveled to a lot of places and have lived overseas for the past seven years.  I did not expect to experience culture shock when moving to Gulu, Uganda.  I was wrong.  I've lived in cities most of my life ...

Category: Uganda Add Comment »

As I watch the red sun quickly descending tonight, finality seems to surround me. My room is almost empty, my bags are packed, and I have completed my final day at my internship. While it is my last night in Lilongwe, it is my first time blogging for SFD during ...

Category: Malawi, On location Add Comment »

So I have been in Bolivia for over a month now and a lot has happened. I've learned a little Spanish, my research at El Centro de Documentación e Información Bolivia (CEDIB) is coming a long well, and I've even managed to do a bit of traveling. My research partner, Ben ...

Category: Bolivia, On location Add Comment »

TIPNIS Update: The protesters defending and representing the 64 communities residing in the official indigenous autonomous territory of TIPNIS resumed their march on October 1st, after police brutality and repression injured and arrested hundreds of protesters. Tear-gas, clubs, and rubber bullets were used to stop the march, resulting in crowds disbursing, ...

Category: Bolivia, Country, On location, Uncategorized Add Comment »

It’s been quite an eventful week here in Bolivia as protests continue throughout the country over the extremely controversial proposal to build a highway through the Isiboro Secure National Park and Indigenous Territory (TIPNIS). Essentially, the government claims that this highway, which would link Beni and Cochabamba, would open up ...

Category: Bolivia, Category, On location, Uncategorized Add Comment »

Having returned from Bangladesh, there are a few reflections that I would like to share. There are many reasons why internships are difficult; you find yourself negotiating a new organization and a new culture with many doubts about why you're here and what you can really do. Looking back, I don't ...

Category: Bangladesh, Upon return Add Comment »

After landing in La Paz at the world's highest international airport (El Alto) I spent the next two days in the country's capital adjusting to the altitude, exploring the city, and familiarizing myself with Bolivian norms and culture. La Paz is busy and bustling, with a mix of modernity and ...

Category: Bolivia, Category, Country, On location Add Comment »

Il y a plus d’un mois maintenant, l’ACDI m’a donné la chance de vivre une expérience extraordinaire : un stage international en terre malienne. Je vous écris donc présentement de Missabougou, un quartier très tranquille de Bamako. Que dire de plus que: wow !! Je suis convaincue que cette expérience sera ...

Category: Mali, Uncategorized Add Comment »

Oftentimes, internships are an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting. Interns are able to see how general ideas or theories play out within a distinct cultural or national context. I certainly witnessed this concrete application in my internship in Bangladesh. Before arriving I had learned (a few ...

Category: Bangladesh, Category, Country, Upon return Add Comment »

I feel that I need to start by saying that I am uncomfortable writing about my perceptions on being a woman in Bangladesh. I'm conflicted over how to approach this issue... For one, I am hesitant to too quickly label Bangladeshi society as oppressive toward women. For instance, I have been ...

Category: Bangladesh, On location Add Comment »