Walking the World: Lessons in Psychology, Culture, and Connection

Studying abroad has always been a dream, and visiting Senegal, Scotland, and the Netherlands in the span of four years far exceeded my expectations. Thanks to the financial support from Great Job KC and UMKC Trustees’Scholars scholarship, I was able to take full advantage of these opportunities. Each experience profoundly shaped my personal and academic growth as a psychology student, expanding my understanding of culture, human behavior, and global communities.

My first study abroad experience was in Senegal as a freshman. We spent a week in Dakar, the capital, where I participated in lectures on gender and Islam, met religious leaders, and learned about efforts to promote women’s rights. I gained insight into Senegal’s demographics, including major ethnic groups such as the Wolof, Fula, and Serer, as well as smaller groups related to the Mandinka. I also practiced a few phrases in Wolof and French, which helped me communicate with locals while navigating markets and public spaces.

We visited organizations such as Women in Mining Sénégal, which empowers women through education and inclusion. I also volunteered at the Centre de Santé Philippe Maguilene Senghor in the pediatric section. At the time, I was a nursing major, passionate about global health and community care, but I have since transitioned to studying psychology, where I continue to explore how culture and environment shape human behavior and well-being. One particularly memorable moment was speaking my native language, Igbo, with a patient who came in with his child. Being able to connect through language reminded me how universal human connection can be, even across continents.

Staying with a host family allowed me to experience daily life in Senegal. Exploring markets reminded me of my time in Nigeria as a child, and visiting Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, gave me a sobering perspective on the transatlantic slave trade. Witnessing the “door of no return” was heartbreaking, but it was an important reminder of history’s lessons. In Toubacouta, I continued volunteering at a local health clinic, saw a newborn for the first time, participated in cultural activities including African dance classes, and watched local wrestling matches.

This trip reinforced my career aspirations and gave me confidence in the career path I had chosen in psychology, particularly in understanding human development and social systems. It also inspired me to consider ways I can contribute to health and social programs across African countries in the future, as I have always been passionate about having my own therapy practice here in America and my home country, Nigeria.

My second study abroad experience was in Scotland. Traveling alone for the first time, I felt both excitement and anxiety as I arrived in Glasgow and met my classmates.As we got situated in our dormitory and surroundings, the difference between life here and back home started to sink in more. I appreciated how easy it was to get around without needing a vehicle, as those who know me know driving isn’t my favorite thing in the world. I enjoy walking around, to the point that while in Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, I walked about 40 minutes to enjoy some Nigerian cuisine, as I missed home-cooked meals. The restaurant trip was worth it as the food hit the spot after the long walk. As much as I enjoyed the freedom of walking around to the majority of places we visited, I also enjoyed the bus rides and the stops we made on the way.

During our time there, we had the opportunity to visit many memorable events, museums, and historical sights. These included the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, the National Museum of Scotland, Skara Brae Prehistoric Village, The Kelpies sculptures, Dunvegan Castle and Garden, Halkirk Highland Games, Edinburgh Castle, the Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle, Stone of Stenness, Glenfinnan Viaduct, The Battle of Culloden sights, and many other thrilling sites.

I was impressed by Scotland’s commitment to environmental friendliness. Unlike in America, where stores typically provide free plastic bags, Scottish retailers charge a minimum of 10 pence for plastic bags.This is due to legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2014 aimed at combating climate change. While I found it inconvenient to pay for bags, I admired Scotland’s efforts and began carrying my reusable bag wherever I went, which proved their method was working. I still practice that same habit till today.

Finally, my experience in the Netherlands further expanded my perspective. We visited Amsterdam, The Hague, and Brussels, exploring historical sites like the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the International Criminal Court. I also observed how social and environmental policies intersect with community health. These experiences strengthened my understanding of the importance of cultural awareness, justice, and global perspectives in psychology and social advocacy.

Studying abroad has shown me the power of cultural immersion, the value of observation and empathy, and the importance of approaching communities and individuals with an open mind. These experiences have not only enriched my academic studies in psychology but have also shaped my personal growth, expanding my understanding of human behavior, social systems, and cross-cultural communication.

I am grateful to Great Job KC for supporting my journey and empowering me to explore, learn, and grow. These trips have provided experiences that will continue to positively impact my career, my worldview, and my ability to contribute meaningfully to the communities I engage with. I strongly believe in the importance of opening ourselves to learning about others and places unfamiliar to us. This is the only way we can grow and come to appreciate our unique differences.

Chinecherem, Current Senior studying Psychology at the University of Missouri – Kansas City expected to graduate in 2026.