Last semester, Emily Van Malden put down her bio textbooks and learned about ecosystems in a more interactive way. In a study abroad program hosted by the School for Field Studies, she left TCNJ’s campus in early September to study abroad on the ravishing islands of Panama until mid-December. This junior biology major was in for an adventure, as she was one of 18 students from across the country (being the only TCNJ collegiette!) to venture into Panama. Luckily she gave Her Campus the insider scoop on her life on the island.
Instead of trudging to the science complex, taking a study break at the Lib, or practicing Frisbee for the team, a typical day on the island for Emily entailed so much more. Her day started at 6 a.m. where she began her morning workout and grabbed a bite to eat before her morning meeting at 8 a.m. From 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. she was in the classroom, learning about the tropical rainforest or marine ecosystems, which for Emily, was even more enjoyable since it was right outside her window! After a two hour lunch break, she was hitting the books again and would end her night with a 6 p.m. dinner. Just like at TCNJ, she had homework; however, the load wasn’t as hefty she happily admits.
However, she explains one of research projects she completed while on the island. She did a study on home gardens. She researched how education levels and having children affected what plants people had in their gardens.
During her semester abroad she stayed in Bocas Del Toro, in an old hotel made out of bamboo and wood. Fans were the only source of refreshment in this tropical 80 degree weather and insects were swarming. Her wardrobe consisted of t-shirts and shorts, except for when she ventured off to the main village, where it was respectful to cover up.
She confesses missing experiencing different seasons like she did in New Jersey. It was always hot there, and towards the end of her stay it got very rainy. Emily reflected on how she always got used to having a sheen of dirt and sweat on her face after living on the island. What a trooper indeed!
Another thing she had to adjust to was not having the world at her fingertips anymore. Just to get a Wi-Fi connection, she’d have to go into the main town and find a coffee shop to Skype her friends and family. “Once I got back to New Jersey, I could not put my phone down for the first two weeks,” she admits. However, she also tells us that “it was kinda nice not being linked in” during her stay.
So what exactly was this campus celebrity given to dine on during her stay on the island? She told us she was mostly nibbling on rice and beans for meals. Besides that, she was treated to the tropical fruits and vegetables of the island, such as yucca, plantains, bananas, mangoes, papayas and pineapples. Nonetheless, she had some chicken and beef to chow down on. She tells us how she missed eating bagels and cream cheese.
All in all, when asked what she learned from this experience, she said to “be flexible”. She explained how there were days when some of her peers were upset that they couldn’t have the food they wanted and it made them uncomfortable. Likewise, her semester abroad taught her the significance of being open minded. To some, studying abroad on a tropical island where Wi-Fi is scarce, food choices are limited and the weather is always just a tad too warm may seem bizarre. But Emily was glad she experienced it and met cool new people.
She does admit there were times when she got a little bored, which she referred to as “island fever.” Sometimes to relieve her boredom, she would go into the main town. There were many ethnic places to eat such as Mexican, sushi or even Italian restaurants. Her favorite coffee place was called Café Verde. She just loved to swing in a hammock there and enjoy the breeze. Other days, she would go for a swim, and one time, she even went horseback riding!
Lastly, she revealed how one of her favorite things her student affairs manager said was, “You don’t grow when you’re comfortable.” After spending three months on the island, Emily said she can completely relate to that quote.
Emily is back on campus now. Just recently, she was honored with the School for Field Studies’ “Distinguished Student Research Award.”  An award fit perfectly for this campus celebrity! Although glad to be back on campus, Emily admits she looks forward to studying abroad again in the future.
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