Experiencing International Experience x2

I had the good fortune to get to tag along for a 2^nd International Experience trip, as a teaching assistant this time. It’s hard to put my finger on the best parts: clearly meeting with Malaysian Members of Parliament and the founder of BRAC, a major Bangladeshi micro-finance and poverty alleviation program, were highlights. Seeing classmates cut down palm fruits at the palm oil plantation and touring a garment factory were insights into important industries in Malaysia and Bangladesh, respectively. But just as memorable were Mushfiq's lectures on the bus introducing us to themes in development economics (we're all on a first-name basis with many of our professors; no TA privilege there). We bring home questions about the sustainability of Malaysia’s largely oil-funded government and how Bangladesh will develop the infrastructure for the green shoots of development we saw to grow into thriving industries. I relished the opportunity to get to know better some of my first-year travelmates, through their insightful questions and experiences, pre-trip scuba diving in Borneo, and karaoke in Kuala Lumpur. I’m relieved I won’t be arranging travel logistics across an 11-hour time difference anymore, but also sort of wish I could sign up for a third International Experience…