Academics
Seeing the World By Studying Abroad
Brittany Borden '08 spent thirteen months abroad in Tanzania, Morocco, and London, studying international issues in an international setting.
"Everyone says Muslim women are oppressed, but the women run everything," says Brittany Borden '08, an international studies major who spent her junior year in Morocco. "At least behind closed doors, women rule the roost and the men appreciate that."
This is just one insight Brittany gained from a study abroad experience that took her from the Maasai villages of Tanzania, to the deserts of Morocco, to the halls of Parliament in London.
"When you go abroad, you learn about the world from a different perspective. It's eye-opening. My professors have always encouraged me to look further and broaden my perspective. I learned so much about myself and what I was capable of doing," she said.
In addition to her time as an exchange student at the Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Brittany participated in the College's three-week seminar on sustainable development in Tanzania, as well as the Hansard Scholars Program in association with British Parliament and the London School of Economics.
During the Hansard summer internship program in London, Brittany witnessed firsthand the transfer of power from Tony Blair to Gordon Brown, met members of Parliament, and gained confidence in her ability to make a difference on the world stage.
"I would sit at tables with ministers and MPs and the whips and we'd talk," she said. "I know that I can do it."
During her year in the Middle East, Brittany had opportunities many people never consider. "I did a trek in the desert which was amazing. I got to meet women parliamentary members in Morocco, too," she said. "It's still policed and authoritarian, but a lot's happening on the ground to promote progress that I don't think people realize," she added. Brittany planned to spend only a semester abroad but Dr. Tahir Shad, International Studies professor, and Kelly Keer, the Director of International Programs, encouraged her to enroll in a year-long program.
"I'm really grateful for the fact that they put their foot down," Brittany said.
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