Uganda: Ryan Matoska

Program: UW Mobile Clinics and Health Care in Uganda, Summer

Ryan’s Major: Biology

What is your most memorable experience from your program?

The most memorable experience from the program was working the mobile health clinics. The variety of stations and different medical staff we interacted with made for lots of opportunities to learn and interact with  them and the patients. It was inspiring to see the work they were volunteering for and eye-opening to see the disparities in access to care both in Uganda and comparing accessibility with the US. The clinics allowed for a great collaboration of teamwork and communication that all in the end helped the underserved patients across Uganda.

What challenges did you face during your time abroad?

Some challenges we faced during our time abroad was the language barrier and accepting some cultural norms. Most people in Uganda spoke English, however some people we interacted with did not speak English well or did not know it at all. Although they understood we would not know their language, we made with what we had and were able to work with the people in unique ways. Some culture norms were also challenging in terms of gender norms in Uganda. We took a different approach addressing it by understanding that this has been their way of life for decades, while also questioning some of their beliefs and empowering others to make their own decisions to address these moral and ethical values.

What is your advice for someone considering your program?

My advice for someone considering this program is to do it and go in open-minded. Many of us did not know what to expect day one or what exactly we would all be doing but their was a variety of activities planned that provide endless amounts of learning. If you want to experience many pieces of culture shock and new ways if living, while also making a difference, this is a phenomenal opportunity to improve the loves of others while improving your own confidence and think in new ways.