When I first applied for the YES abroad program, I knew it was perfect for me. I have always, ALWAYS wanted to go to Africa. Living in Africa has been my dream since I can remember. I would constantly annoy my family when I repeated phrases like "I wish I was in Africa right now" or frequently going about singing "Africa" by Toto. I was searching for a program offering a summer or semester trip to a third-world country in Africa. I wasn't looking to stay in a place that was anywhere like my home in America.
For my stay I will be living in the capital city of Mali, Bamako, where I will live with a family that can provide indoor plumbing and my own bedroom. I'm so excited! When I applied for the scholarship, it was not guaranteed that I would stay in Mali, or even Africa for that matter, as they are also sending students to countries such as Oman, Turkey, India, etc. In fact, I had no choice in the matter of where I would be sent if I was accepted, I was only able to request. Fortunately, I was chosen for the Mali program. Thank you, YES Abroad!
