For my STEP project I participated in a study abroad program which traveled to Tanzania during the month of July to study HIV in context. During the program we analyzed data showing the HIV statistics of the Iringa region, in which we were staying, and went on site visits to solidify what we learned in the classroom about HIV and sexual education. During my program many of my assumptions and anticipations that I held were challenged.
Two of my most significant transformations were related to the skills I developed due to the transition from the U.S. to Tanzania and how I analyzed the information that we learned and collected about HIV in Tanzania differently than before. Transitioning from the U.S. to a rural Iringa required me to increase my flexibility. Although the changes pushed my limits of adaptation, there were many aspects of my life that stayed constant. In the beginning of our trip there were many changes and events that occurred that were out of our control and it was important for me to remember to have patience when dealing with these things. While in Iringa we had a lack of internet access, different meal schedules and changes in site visits which created some frustration but being able to be flexible and enjoy the experiences as they came was one of the most important things that I learned during the program.
In the United States many are used to relying on comforts and fixed schedules which we did not have in Tanzania. Although there are many differences that could be addressed, there are also major similarities between Iringa and the U.S. One of the similarities which is significant to me relates to the topic of HIV and sexual education. In our observations and analysis of the sexual education in Iringa we see many of the same processes occurring both in Iringa and in the United States. When looking at other countries’ methods for education we often use the U.S. as a reference or gold standard of education when in reality misconceptions, education gaps and miseducation occurs. In Iringa I spoke with a student at RUCU who still thought that HIV could be transmitted through saliva exchange and two other students who were not even taught HIV until health class in school. We can see this in our own state of Ohio where many school districts still have an abstinence only curriculum and perpetuate misconceptions either through lack of education or miseducation. This has taught me to be cautious in making generalizations and identifying broad trends in a population because there are always disparities with in populations.
During the program we participated in many site visits which included a branch of USAID, an elephant conservation organization, an HIV clinic, the regional hospital, an HIV support group , an orphan support program and a rural health center. These site visits were vital in the process of learning about not only HIV but also the population which is being affected in this area. This also allowed us to gain perspective on the response and treatment of HIV that is currently being used in Iringa.
We also read many articles and books relating to the HIV epidemic which were written from both a Tanzanian and an American perspective. This pushed me to examine written work and research with a critical eye and with awareness of possible bias from the author. Throughout my time in the program I was able challenge my own assumptions and biases which allowed me to develop both as a public health student and a global citizen.
Although we collected our interviews about HIV and sexual education in Iringa it is important to note that we can see many of these same phenomenon elsewhere and we could look further into these same processes happening in a broader context. Going forward I will be able to take with me not only the information we collected about Iringa and HIV specifically, but also the research skills, ethics and critical thinking skills that we required in order to synthesize the information we gained from the course and the field sites to create our final project.
This education abroad experience has enhanced my academic, career and life paths going forward. Experiential learning ,when immersed in a new culture and a new environment, requires skills In navigation, language, communication, awareness and ability to be outside of your comfort zone. This learning environment has forced me to hone these skills while also building on my foundation of knowledge about HIV and interventions that I possess from previous course content.
