Kai Ackerman

Knox College junior Kai Ackerman's passport has been busy over the last few months. Ackerman, a psychology and secondary education double major, recently returned to the United States after participating in an immersive program in Lesotho. Soon after coming home, Ackerman packed her suitcase again, this time for a study abroad experience in New Zealand. 

How did you find out about the Lesotho program?

I found out about the trip at an information session that was extra credit for the environmental studies class I was taking. At first, I went for the extra credit, but after hearing Wittenberg University professor Scott Rosenberg and the organizers talk about it, it sounded really interesting and like something I would enjoy.

What drew you to the Lesotho program?

They showed pictures from previous trips and talked about the work they did. It seemed like a good way to give back and make strong connections. As an education and psych major, I am interested in helping people and being involved in a community. I’ve never done anything like that before, and I didn't know when I could get another chance to go to another country and do something like that again.

What was a highlight?

A portion of the trip was painting at a school. We saw some students during our lunch breaks. It was cool to see how the education system works in other countries, compare the pamphlets they use for their education books, and learn more about it.

What other things did you do?

For the first portion, it was split; you could paint for a nursery program for babies or help build a school. I chose construction because I’ve never done anything like that. Normally you only see the finished part, but actually building a school was cool. I spent the first two weeks mostly on a construction site.

What impact did the Lesotho experience have on you?

I enjoyed it a lot more than I originally thought I would. I was a little nervous; I didn’t know what to expect. But when I was there, I felt like I had a purpose; what we were doing directly impacted and benefited the community. We met with a lot of NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) and people from the Peace Corps. Talking with them about their experiences was really inspiring, so now I am looking at actually going into the Peace Corps once I graduate.

Which program did you plan on doing first, Lesotho or New Zealand?

I knew I was going to New Zealand before I knew I was going to Lesotho. I started the application process before the end of my first year at Knox, then I heard about Lesotho, saw the dates, and thought I could do both. 

What about study abroad and immersive programs appeal to you?

My family really encourages me to take every opportunity I am presented with and make the most of it while I’m in school. For Lesotho, I used the Power of Experience Grant that Knox provides, which was a huge help; without it, I probably wouldn't have been able to go.

Do you prefer the group or solo experience for these abroad programs?

There are benefits to both. For me, I prefer the group setting a little more because, for Lesotho, I know people from my school and another school we went with. In New Zealand, I’ve met a ton of people from all over the United States and other countries. It takes a lot more active effort on my part to meet those people.

Other than classes, what are you planning to do in New Zealand?

I’m in Auckland, so there’s a lot to do. They have a bunch of islands off the coast you can take a ferry to and go hiking, so I’ve done that. I’ve also been to some nature preserves. I'm planning to go to Australia once I’m done with my final exams.