By Abigail Pollock
The Editor interviewed Noa Iiboshi, a junior International Studies major, who is enrolled in the Uganda Studies Program (USP) through Best Semester. USP is hosted by Uganda Christian University, which is located in the town of Mukono.
USP students come from American and Canadian Christian universities to study under both Ugandan and American professors, taking classes on everything from Ugandan politics to East African religions. USP students live either in the university dorms or with Ugandan families in semester-long home stays. The semester includes educational travel components across the country of Uganda itself, as well as a trip into Rwanda.
Echo: Why did you decide to study abroad?
Iiboshi: I decided to do the Uganda Studies Program because it offered a cross-cultural practicum class, which matches the students with practicum opportunities with one of several nongovernmental organizations. I want to learn how to minister to people from different cultures, and I thought this would give me practical experience. I also wanted to be a part of a community and build relationships with local people, rather than spending my semester going on tourist trips or surrounding myself with other expats.
What was one of the most unexpected cultural moments for you so far?
I killed a chicken with a dull knife during rural homestay in Kapchorwa-that was a totally new experience for me! The chicken moved without (its) head, and it was horrifying.What is one thing that surprised you about Uganda?
It is very much a Christian nation, which I did not expect it to be. Uganda is somewhere around 84 percent Christian, with equal parts Roman Catholic and Protestant. The Anglican church makes up more than 80 percent of the Protestant presence in Uganda-in fact, Uganda Christian University, where we study, is an Anglican university. So the high-church influence in the country is very high, despite the stereotypes many Americans have of African Christianity being very charismatic.What are some ideas of Americans that Ugandans have which might surprise Taylor students?
Being white or having lighter skin is a huge deal here. I get called "mzungu," which means white or Westerner, all the time even though I am Asian. Some people and children ask me for money and candy which reminds me of the influence of colonialism. Ugandans think that Americans automatically have (an) easy life. They think that it is easy for Americans to pay for college education, and that Americans can easily get jobs right after they graduate from college. Homosexuality is definitely a hot topic here, also. Ugandans think that America, especially the American church, have been influenced by society to have wrong ideas about homosexuality-while many people in the West are upset by the Ugandan death penalty laws against homosexuality.
What makes your study abroad experience stand apart from a semester in Upland?
I have learned about how interconnected this world is. History, politics, economy and all kinds of different factors influence each other and form this world, and we have to understand every part in order to understand the whole picture. It was something I could not learn if I stayed in Upland. Also, it is definitely warmer here than in Upland!
How do you think students who do not choose to study abroad can best connect with the outside world?
Students who decided not to study abroad should talk to those who did! I do not think going overseas is everyone's calling, but it is important to know that there are different perspectives out there.
