Nadine Maier was a 4th year Arts Major at Simon Fraser University. With her degree coming to an end, she still didn't feel prepared for what was to come in the "real world." Understanding the importance of gaining career relevant experience, she applied to Semester in Development program and ended up spending 3 months studying, interning and traveling in Uganda.

Jacob Cutts was a 2nd year International Relations student from the Univeristy of British Columbia when he spent a semester in East Africa. Early on in his degree, Jacob recognized that it would be important for him to gain both internship and international experience, which is why he decided to participate in the Semester In Development.

I don’t know if I’m the only one thinking this, but lately watching the news or reading the paper is more shocking and upsetting than usual.

Back in 2012, I found myself in rural Uganda, visiting a series of schools in different communities that were coping with a variety of challenges. This was my second stint in Uganda, having previously been in the country researching the arrival of big oil.

Just 5 years ago I'd never left North America and the idea of travelling the world was just a dream. Now I've traveled around the globe to over 40 countries (across 6 continents) and I'd like to tell you why.

As our trip comes to an end, I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on all that we learned throughout our two brief days in Rwanda. Though tragic, and at some points emotionally draining, I feel I speak for all of us when I say that Rwanda was a truly life altering experience.

Today we said goodbye to Uganda and headed into Rwanda! Although Uganda was amazing, it was interesting to see the immediate differences between the two countries as we crossed the border. The first thing I noticed was the cleanliness. Rwanda has extremely strict laws surrounding public aesthetics.

We are 9 days into the program and it is safe to say that this experience has completely changed my views on what I thought Africa was like. Uganda is beautifully lush and unique in it's geography. The only thing that does not shock me is how exceptional the wildlife is here.

The main focus of today’s educational experience was to visit the unique, Afro-Ecuadorian community of Salinas.  To note, today is Good Friday and it was interesting to observe what similarities and differences that are practiced on this holy day in Canada and Ecuador. 

Today we woke up to the wonderful views of Banos, had breakfast, and made our way up from 2000 metres to 4000 metres towards our next stop, Quilotoa. On our way, it was easier to see the landscape progressing from the rivers and valleys of Banos to the small farming communities of the high up Andes.