Name: Megan Keene 
Class Year: 2021
Hometown: Chelmsford, MA
Global Study Semester: Fall 2019
Program: SIT Tanzania: Zanzibar – Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management
Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: Biology
Activities on Campus: Women’s Swimming, Secretary of Chi Omega, Painted Turtle Farm, SIT Alumni Mentor, Adam’s County SPCA
My Story from Global Study: One of the best parts of my experience in Zanzibar was the ability to travel with my group to other islands and to mainland Tanzania for different excursions. My favorite experience was swimming with whale sharks off Mafia Island. This SIT program initially interested me because of its marine ecology focus, but when I found out that one of the excursions was to swim with whale sharks off Mafia, I knew I needed to learn more. It has always been a dream of mine to swim with these amazing animals and I even wear a whale shark print watchband that I rarely take off. While on this trip, I talked with the boat captain who informed me how eco-tourism plays a role in protecting these amazing creatures. When we finally found the whale sharks, I was able to swim with, and film these gentle giants for approximately 2 hours. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and one that I will never forget.
My Advice for Future Students: My advice for future students is to pick an abroad program that pushes you outside of your comfort zone. Studying abroad is an opportunity to truly immerse yourself in a culture that is different than your own, while studying a topic that you are interested in. Explore every option and opportunity that CGE offers because your perfect program may be one that you haven’t heard about. Be adventurous and let your curiosity and passions drive your program decision.