Thoughts before my Semester in Ibadan

I have been awarded a Boren Scholarship to Nigeria to study at the University of Ibadan this fall.  This is an amazing opportunity for me. I love to travel and experience new cultures. I am particularly interested in African Affairs. As an International development minor, with a future in international development, learning a second language is a plus. The Boren Scholarship will give me the opportunity to learn a second language, immerse myself in a new culture and put my skills to work in the federal government. 

This past summer I spent two months learning Yoruba at the University of Florida in Gainesville. This blog will not be about that wondering experience; but it is worth mentioning. Without that foundation in the Yoruba language I will not be at the intermediate level that I am now. I am glad that I am going to Nigeria with a good grasp on not only the language, but the culture and history.  I am very excited about what is ahead of me and very anxious at the same time. I will be away from home for 3.5 months. I have never been away from home for such a long amount of time. Yet I know this is going to be another great experience to add to my life!

The main gate to UI, Nigeria's premier university!