Eastern Student Sierra Colon of Wethersfield Returns From Summer Study Abroad Course in South Africa

2016 Sep 28

Each semester, Eastern Connecticut State University provides students with the opportunity to study abroad in various countries throughout the world.

Among the students, Sierra Colon '16 of Wethersfield interned in South Africa at the Surplus People Project, a nonprofit organization that functions as a forum for female small-scale farmers and farm workers. The group facilitates training and exchanges related to value-adding options and agro-processing of produce. It also helps with establishing seed banks, a farmer-to-farmer extension and exchanges for the farmers/farmworkers to share experiences and practices. during the summer session through CIS Abroad. Colon's major is Political Science.

"I knew I wanted to intern in a country that was making strides toward sustainable development," said Colon. "I decided going to Cape Town would be a good fit due to the progress they are trying to attain within sustainable development, farming rights and social justice."

The Study Abroad Office at Eastern guides and assists many students to study abroad each year. Students who get the opportunity to study abroad get to experience the world and the global community. They gain cultural insight while living and studying along with other students for a full semester or academic year, while earning Eastern credits.

"I believe study abroad is extremely valuable for all students," said Colon. "You witness and live within other cultures and begin to understand their viewpoints, while expanding your knowledge of how the world works. It also prompts you to reflect on the issues at home, what is and isn't important and who you are and want to be."

Studying abroad allows students to become more independent and confident. It helps them improve their communication skills, learn new languages and experience cultural differences first-hand.