Ashlyn Ruby spent a semester at sea visiting countries in Asia, Africa and Europe. During her time abroad, she learned about traditional dances, languages and how to take chances. After this life-changing experience, she is ready to finish her dental hygienist degree and help educate people in other countries about healthcare.
Where did you study?
I was at sea for four months. I studied in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Spain and Germany.
Why did you choose that program for your study abroad experience?
I chose this program because I wanted to travel and immerse myself in many different cultures, not just one. I think this was the perfect experience for me. I was able to learn about so many different places.
What class(es) or research did you complete while abroad and for how long?
When I left, I had already finished all of my prerequisites for my dental hygiene program, so I took electives while I was on the ship. I took global studies, women’s studies, geography and public speaking.
How did you fund your study abroad experience?
I fundraised a ton. I didn’t get any of the scholarships I applied for, so I created fundraisers with my friends and family. I also had to take out some loans.
What was your language-learning process?
It was hard because I was only in each country for about a week, so learning the language was impossible. I practiced a few words that were necessary before I got off the ship when docking in each country.
Can you tell us about a humorous language-related situation you encountered?
I had many situations like this. I had a lot of language barriers in Kenya. They spoke super quietly. It was hard to communicate. But there was one guy named Benson who was super loud and fun to talk to.
What expectations or preconceived notions did you have about your chosen country?
I tried to have no expectations for each country that I entered. I think it was better not to know much going in, so that nothing holds you back from getting the full experience of that country. I definitely had some guesses, but most of the countries I visited surprised me.
How has your experience been compared to those perceptions?
Again, I didn’t really know much about the countries I went to, except for what the school would teach us. They would teach us about the food and language and how to dress and what to look out for, but I kind of liked going into it blind.
What aspects of your host country do you find the most different from your home country, and why?
I think it was interesting how many people do not have healthcare. I think that there were a lot of health disparities in the countries I went to, such as Ghana, India and Morocco. I think that people have for the most part easy access to pharmacies and doctor’s offices.
What local traditions or customs did you experience?
I experienced different traditions and customs in every country. For example, I got to learn about a traditional dance in India. It was super cool to see the attire and the deep meaning behind every move that the dancer made.
What was your biggest culture-shock moment?
My biggest culture shock was seeing how people view me. In India, I had so many people ask to take pictures with me or talk to me. It was like they had never seen anyone like me before; anywhere I walked, heads were turning, and it really made me think about my cultural identity as a white American.
Tell us about your favorite—and/or least favorite—dish abroad.
I loved butter chicken and garlic naan. I know that it’s one of the most basic Indian dishes, but I truly loved it and ordered it at every restaurant. I tried traditional food in each of the countries I went to, and they were all very different from American food. It seemed much healthier.
How has this study abroad experience influenced your personal, academic and career goals?
This experience has completely changed my life. I don’t know if I can put into words how insane my life was. I completely feel like I have different views on everything. I think it definitely made me realize that I want to practice and educate people in other countries on healthcare. With my major, this is something I’ve always dreamed of and now I know this is a must for me
Has it opened new possibilities or changed your direction?
This experience has definitely opened new possibilities. I really want to keep traveling and see and experience everything. I love being rich and deep into someone else’s culture; it is so fun to me.