Victoria Grisanti
What language did you study and why?
I studied Swahili because I was interested in working in East Africa as a doctor one day. I firmly believe that learning the local language is the most important step one can take to provide ethical care when participating in international public health.
What program did you attend and why did you choose it?
I attended Howard University’s Swahili program because they have strong ties to the exchange university (Daystar University in Nairobi) and because the program values cultural exchange and immersion. I also had the chance to attend Pwani University on the coast of the Indian ocean which was incredible!
Describe your experience doing summer language study. Was it tricky? How do you think your language skills improved?
It was really difficult to start out because I was a complete beginner. All of the other students were significantly more advanced than me and I was so nervous. The learning curve was step but being surrounded by more advanced students actually helped me learn quickly! My Swahili went from complete beginner to high intermediate in only 6 weeks and I wish I could have spent more time learning in the immersive setting. I was able to haggle prices, joke with my Kenyan friends, and even give a 10 minute presentation by the end of my course.
Did intensive summer language study change or solidify any of your future goals? If so, how?
Studying in Kenya helped me realize that I am actually more interested in working within the US to help recent East African immigrants, rather than moving abroad myself. There is a significant lack of health professionals who can speak this language, despite the fact that 150 million people in East Africa speak it. Hearing how many of my Kenyan friends at my exchange university want to move to the US made me realize how necessary it is for people in the US to learn Swahili, especially in the medical field. Working within immigration in the US is a new goal that emerged from my time and experience in Kenya.
Do you have any tips or advice for students similar to you that are interested in pursing intensive language study?
Do not give up! It may seem overwhelming at first but it is an incredible opportunity. Learning intensively is so rewarding because you can see your growth, it happens so quickly!
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned/read about/listened to this week?
Harry Potter in french! I am living in Paris at the moment and reading Harry Potter in french, and the word for magic wand is “baguette magique” (not even kidding).
What is your most useless talent?
The slide whistle