Williams, Malkiyah

Malkiyah Williams

Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
I chose this program because I thought it was a unique program as it was targeted at Freshman. As I came from an Early College and entered UNC with a significant amount of credit this seemed like a great opportunity to study abroad when I had an untraditional undergraduate background. Because the program listed pre-approved courses we could take I was able to plan out how I could fit studying abroad into my experience at Carolina while still graduating in my desired timeframe. 

What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I was capable of sustaining myself and being more independent. Studying abroad as a Freshman was a big jump and included a lot of adjustments but my completion of the program and putting myself out of my comfort zone allowed me to grow. 

What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories from studying abroad was traveling to a small beach town in Scotland. Though the trip required both a train ride and two bus transfers it was nice to see different scenery and a smaller community within Scotland. 

What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
Try to build a community. Being in a new place away from your regular reality will serve itself as a challenge. Make sure to stay connected to your family and friends that you value back at home. In addition to this I would encourage students to put themselves out there in their new community by making friends in class or joining clubs that seem of interest to them. 

How do you identify?
Student of color, LGBTQ+, First Generation College Student, Covenant Scholars, Scholarship Recipient

Could you share any experiences where your identity played a role in your time abroad?
Scholarship Recipient: Having a scholarship from the study abroad office is a large part of the reason that I was able to study abroad at an affordable cost/ Student of Color: Traveling abroad was one of the first times that I thought about the uniqueness of my identity as an African American persona and how that identity contrasts with other African descendants across the diaspora.

Is there any advice you would give to other students who share your identity?
Regardless of where you are there are likely people that share your identity. Don't see your identity as something that makes you "different" or "isolated" but something that makes you unique and informs your experience. Studying abroad is a about contributing to the global culture and there's space for your identity inside of that. 

Memories