Simba and Rafiki: My trip to Kenya and how YOU can travel internationally!

Earlier this summer I had the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime.  After working all semester on a medical device design project, I traveled to Kenya to test the devices and determine how they can be integrated into the ongoing MASHAVU program.  For me, the project began in January as I first started taking my junior design class, BIOE 401.  Through this class we are split into teams, and were assigned to design basic primary care medical devices that cost under $10 that could be made using materials readily available in developing countries, and were extremely rugged and durable.  During the semester I also took a HESE class (Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship), which allowed me to understand the breadth of the project and to prepare for the travel to Kenya.   When the semester ended in May, I traveled with 40 other students in the HESE Program to Nairobi, and thereafter traveled on to Nyeri, Kenya, where we would be headquartered for the following weeks. 

Throughout the time in Kenya we held clinics in various different locations, where patients could come and receive information about their health for free.  Our devices had been designed to interface with a telemedicine system, so ideally patients in rural areas in Kenya who do not have easy access to healthcare can check their vital signs, or receive a consultation via the internet.  Through these free clinics we received valuable information regarding the functionality of our devices, so that next year’s teams can improve the design.  It was extremely humbling to speak with adults and explain healthcare to some who have never had their weight or blood pressure taken before.  After hearing their stories, it is easy to understand why the life expectancy is less than 60 years old.
We worked hard in Kenya, but we also had a lot of fun and different experiences, too.   During the first weekend, we traveled north across the equator to Samburu National Reserve for a safari.  We saw many elephants and giraffes, but we also saw some lionesses, zebras, ostriches, crocodiles, gazelles, baboons, and a cheetah.  It literally looked just like the Lion King.  I learned that “simba” means lion in Kiswahili, and “rafiki” means friend.  We saw a few birds that looked like Zazu, but I didn’t learn that translation.  On normal days after working, we would walk down the road and spend time at the Children and Youth Empowerment Center (CYEC).  We had lots fun hanging out with the kids, getting out hair braided (which they loved doing), playing soccer, dancing, introducing them to Frisbee, and just spending time with happy little youngsters.  They smiled all of the time and were almost as excited to have us for company as we were to be there.  In addition we were able to travel around the town – I bought a pair of sandals made from old tires, spent ample time in the markets and had more than my fair share of traditional Kenya food.  I definitely miss the homemade guacamole, but I’ll be skipping the beans for a while.

 
If you might want to travel abroad in your time at Penn State then start planning NOW!  Your opportunities are endless!  Fifteen women on the current leadership team have traveled internationally around the world.  This year you’ll find people who have traveled to France, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Honduras, Costa Rica, Argentina, Kenya, China, and Australia.  These trips have ranged from short term study abroad, to engineering projects, to international internships, and semester long study abroad trips. If you have any questions you can always ask a lovely leadership team member who has already taken the trip (and I’m sure would be happy to tell you about it), or you could also visit the international envoys.  The international envoys are students who have traveled abroad, and hold office hours in 204 Hammond so that you specifically can go to them to seek help in finding your perfect international experience! They’re always happy to answer your questions, and can help you to find something that’s just right for you.  
So to conclude -- you should travel abroad.  All in all my experience was beyond incredible!  The trip was successful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.  I wish it would have lasted way longer than it did, and can’t wait to go back!

Sarah Schopman is a senior in BioEngineering. This summer she went to Africa for the MASHAVU program. She is also working in the WEP office. Sarah is the Resource Innovations Overall Lead for WEPO 2012.