The global experiences afforded through travel are an essential component of learning, according to Dr. Margo Andrews, teacher of environmental science at Pennington. Andrews credits an upbringing which prioritized inexpensive and immersive travel over glamorous, high-end vacations with helping to shape her identity. One trip in particular—a five month study program in Zimbabwe–yielded a deeply nuanced education which no textbook could ever provide; the lessons Andrews learned during that semester abroad were recently shared with students in the School’s Global Studies Certificate Program during an afternoon lecture.

In January of 1999, Andrews was a junior at Clark University, majoring in human geography with a focus on nature and society and, specifically, the politics of conservation. She described a fully immersive experience which allowed her and her fellow students to truly understand the country’s complex history and politics, as well as its vibrant and proud culture. “During those first few weeks, we spent each day together learning about Zimbabwe’s history, its economy, natural environment, demographics, and more.” The group lived with local families and took lessons to help them converse in Shona, one of Zimbabwe’s native languages. 

“We weren’t tourists,” clarified Andrews. She described how she worked in the fields, shared meals, conducted field research, interviewed local leaders, and helped build relationships within those local communities. Adopting the customs and traditions of her host family gave Andrews a uniquely personal perspective, which in turn influenced the topics she selected for her research; her first research project—conducted while working within Malilangwe Conservation Trust wildlife reserve—was to conduct interviews with community elders to record the indigenous Shangaani peoples’ historical connection to wildlife. Her second topic centered around female body types, specifically, which ones were valued, and why this differed so greatly from Western norms. 

In her talk with students, Andrews emphasized the importance of showing up as a true learner, regardless of age, and remaining open to new ideas and cultures, whether that’s here in New Jersey or halfway across the world. “I don’t think deep learning and understanding is a given. You don’t automatically absorb all of this valuable and meaningful information when you travel. You really have to put in the work to achieve those amazing, life-changing benefits,” she said. “Talking to people in the places you visit, learning to speak some of the local language, getting off the beaten path, reading up on a place’s history,” were among the suggestions she had for students hoping to expand their global sensibilities through travel. Andrews’ time in Zimbabwe changed not only the way she thinks, but the way she moves through the world, confirming that deep, meaningful global engagement is one of the most powerful educations a person can ever receive.