Finding community was a different experience in Suriname. As I had known a couple people within the program who like me were Public Health majors within the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, however, even with that I had to go beyond and make connections with the communities there. During our time in Suriname, professors within medical schools and research organizations would come and speak to use about the state of research within Suriname and how to improve health inequities within Suriname. It was a great experience connecting with them and hearing their perspectives on the current issues plaguing Suriname and how they believe that they could tackle them. Visiting the interior regions of Suriname also gave vastly different perspectives on how people live compared to the capital city of Paramaribo.

The locals within those communities gave us a tour through the rural farm areas and allowed us to help plant trees and other plants on the land. This gave us insight into the culture within the community and certain practices that enable them to take care of themselves and one another. It was eye opening to get to experience both the city and rural side of Suriname and note the differences between them.

However, even with those distinct differences I noticed that many within both communities, especially when it came to research, were very much connected to each other. It was very clear during the duration of the study abroad that many of these figures had known both the Dean and Dr. Abdoel Wahid very well and it was interesting to see the connections. Whether it was a one-time meeting turned into a follow up or years of research, it was intriguing to see how those within the research and healthcare space in Suriname ensure that they are connected. It was inspiring and something to take note of in the future as I progress academically.