A photo journey through ‘Africa in Miniature’

August 21st, 2019   |   Africa, SIT Study Abroad

Samantha Trotter, an anthropology major at Oregon State University, spent fall 2018 studying in Cameroon, which is known as "Africa in Miniature" for its tremendous diversity. She documented her study abroad experience through the lens of her new camera and shared some thoughts and images from her experience on Cameroon: Development and Social Change .

I choose to study with SIT in Cameroon because I wanted a more hands-on, in-person experience versus just reading or being taught about a culture or society in a classroom.

I really enjoyed the excursions, the guest speakers and the classroom discussions. One of my favorite activities included a boat ride in a hollowed-out tree through a river and a 10-minute hike through the forest to observe the oldest and largest tree in Cameroon.

My semester abroad made me think a lot about politics and the economy. We were able to meet people who had limited resources but found ways to make a difference in their communities and country. It gives me hope and inspiration and the desire to take more action within my own community and country.

I was truly grateful for my host family's hospitality and kindness. They were very patient and accommodating and The food they made was amazing. My family always tried to include me in their activities; I went to a local market with my ‘brother,’ visited my family's second house in their village, attended church with my ‘mother’ and helped my ‘sister’ on the family farm.

The program really helped break down the research process. It gave me the skills, confidence, and desire to interview and observe people. Before SIT, I feared writing because I felt that everything had to be perfect but I learned that is impossible. You must be open to changes and difficulties and include those experiences in your paper. Research is continuous. I hope to one day return to the country and continue my studies.

Click here to see more from Samantha's journey.