Postcards from Abroad travels to Kenya, where Maya Richwine, a biology major and environmental science minor on the track and field team, is studying this semester.

What made you decide to study abroad?
I knew I wanted to study abroad before I even came to college! I have always loved traveling and experiencing new cultures, so I'm really grateful for the opportunity to be abroad, even as a student-athlete.

What has been your favorite part about studying abroad?
Africa is just such an awesome place. Everything is so amazing, whether it's the animals, the food, or the people. I think my favorite part has been seeing wildlife that I will never have the chance to see anywhere else in the world.

Tell us about one specific experience you've had while abroad that has been especially memorable.
There are too many to count!! If I had to choose, I think one of the most memorable experiences was the homestay I did with a Maasai family. I stayed with a local family where I got to help with chores like collecting firewood, milking the goats, and helping the Mama make lunch! It was so fun playing with and interacting with the kids, and it really pushed me to practice my Swahili. Being immersed so deeply in the culture of the people around me was really special. It taught me a lot about myself and made me reflect on my own privileges and blessings.

What are the biggest hurdles you've had to overcome in the process of adapting to life in a different country?
Living in Africa is a huge adjustment in itself. Some of the challenges I can list specifically include: dietary differences (Kenyan food is really oily and heavy in carbs and fiber), intense African sun, power outages, fluctuating network connectivity, and language barriers.

Have you visited any other cities or countries? If so, which was your favorite and why?
Yes! We went on an expedition for the whole month of October, where we got to visit the Maasai Mara ecosystem in western Kenya, the Laikipia ecosystem in central Kenya, and Tanzania. Tanzania was my favorite part of the trip because we got to visit Gombe National Park, where Jane Goodall did her research, to track chimpanzees!

What classes are you taking? Which has been your favorite?
We just finished classes for the semester, but I took four: Ecology of Endangered Species (which was my favorite!), Conservation of Endangered Species, Human Dimensions of Wildlife Conservation, and East African Culture and the Swahili Language. I am also taking a directed research class in November, where I'll be studying the den distribution and community attitudes surrounding hyenas in the Amboseli region!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying abroad?
I would tell them to take the opportunity as soon as they can!! I also am such a proponent for doing a study abroad program that is outside of your comfort zone – no hate to Europe, but there are so many other parts of the world to be explored and so many cool programs to do, it's worth considering a more "unconventional" study abroad experience!

How have you kept up with your sport while abroad?
I've had to be creative with my workouts here, since I don't have access to a track or a weight room. I've done lots of dirt path sprints, racing with the village kids, and playing lots of soccer!! I have a few weights on my campus, so I've been focusing on sharpening the basics and staying healthy, and moving my body as much as I can.

More than 45% of Muhlenberg students participate in over 150 approved global education programs worldwide, and being a committed member of a team doesn't prevent Mule athletes from enjoying the same transformative experiences that their fellow students do.  A recent study by The Forum on Education Abroad found that students who participate in education abroad earn on average $4,159 more in their first job after graduation than those who do not. 

Previous Postcards
Abby Liebowitz, softball, Copenhagen