Medical Humanitarian Internship

Teresa Stamplis
Cross-Cultural Solutions
Tanzania

"The living conditions we observed just walking around are totally unimaginable. It’s just so extremely beyond my comprehension that I almost cannot feel for people because I cannot convince myself that what I see and hear is really the truth about these people’s lives. I guess the luxury of my life is probably just as unreal to them."

"It’s amazing to see how happy people with so little can be. They are obviously rich in something, and I only wish that I could to some extent understand. I never thought of myself as needing to have a lot of unnecessary conveniences, but in comparison to the people here, my life is comprised almost entirely of unnecessary conveniences that only seem like necessities from an American perspective. On the flip-side, our culture is severely deficient in so many things– family ties and traditions, making time for others , and generally acting in a more giving selfless, hospitable manner."

"Some children obviously have learning disabilities and other problems, and there seems to be nothing that can be done for them. I just feel so unqualified to help them, and with no resources, space, or additional teachers, I have no idea what can be done to help the situation.
As frustrating as the situation is for me, the school instructors must be much more frustrated and desperate. It seems like there is not a way to fix all the problems they have."