Christina and Robert, organizers of the study trip to Tanzania:

What was your primary motivation to organize this trip?

(C): I learned a lot on my trip to Tanzania two years ago – I had the opportunity to rethink the social structures and political situation in my home country while living in Tanzania for some weeks. By organizing the trip and discovering the cultural characteristics of Tanzania, I would like to give other people the unique chance of reflecting the value systems they live in too.
(R): Becoming a cultural scientist, I think this concept of study trips can be a great and important contributor to global understanding! And as I had the privilege to become well acquainted with Tanzania, I now want to share this amazing experience with others!

What do you particularly like about your country of destination?

(R): I love the openness and collectivity of people here. For example, the moment when I'm sitting in a regular city bus and then, all of a sudden, a vivid discussion erupts – between people who have met for the first time. Everyone is willing to air his/her opinion by entering the conversation. Suddenly, the foreigners in a random city bus are ambitiously discussing the burning political or social matters... It's these moments when I know – I AM in Tanzania! :)

What’s the most interesting/fun/remarkable thing you experienced since having started the organization process?

(C): Most remarkable, surprising and shocking: Even though I classify IFIL being a very appealing organization, most of the young people I talked to have never heard of it before.
(R): I was amazed by the extraordinary experiences such a study trip enables. For example, the East African Community (EAC) even offers us a direct discussion with ministers – something you could never access as an individual.

What were/are some of the difficulties you have encountered so far?

Most importantly, Tanzania as a destination sometimes complicated our budgeting and planning. Knowing a fixed price for a certain way or activity is not always initially possible and thus requires thorough inquiring. The infrastructure, particularly in Dar es Salaam, was another challenge: It simply wouldn't be feasible for a group as ours to use the normal public transport in the city – thus, again, more intense planning was required.

What about your trip are you personally most looking forward to? What are you most nervous about?

(R): We are looking forward to learning more about Tanzania ourselves! There are many meetings we are also very excited about. However, we hope that there will be no interferences with our schedule. For example, that a meeting at one institution would delay us and thus mix up our entire schedule for that day.

Why would it be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made if I didn’t apply for your trip?

(C): IFIL offers you unique travel conditions with an excellent price/performance ratio. Besides the low price, you would miss out on the amazing opportunity to talk to locals and experience Tanzania from an internal perspective.
(R): You would miss an unique insight into Tanzania, a very multifaceted country and one of the emerging economies in Africa! Tanzania is one of the most beautiful places in the world I have ever been to. Its cohesive society amazes me daily.