Mariah Wright-Moses

Program:

• PGS: Communicating Change in Mongolia

Ask me about...

• How to be culturally aware while abroad

• Connecting with different communities

• Navigating a developing country

• Optimizing your time abroad

• Traveling abroad for the first time

• Ensuring safety while traveling abroad

My Experience Abroad:

Traveling to Mongolia after my eye-opening course experience was truly enriching, and it unexpectedly aligned with my journey towards becoming a neurologist. My academic goal of understanding diverse cultures to best help them in a way that makes them feel comfortable, found a perfect match as I learned about the close ties between environmental changes and neurological health in Mongolia. While exploring Mongolia, I developed a deep appreciation for their efforts to address climate issues while preserving their stunning countryside. This experience reinforced the idea that diverse approaches can solve complex problems. It made me see that being culturally aware as a doctor is essential, as different cultures have unique, effective solutions to common issues. Witnessing these approaches has broadened my horizons. It reminded me that there's no one-size-fits-all path in pursuing my academic/professional goals. Mongolia showed me that anything is possible, and I'm excited to bring this perspective to my future studies in neuroscience and in my future profession as a neurologist. My journey in Mongolia wasn't just about exploring a new place; it was about embracing different perspectives. 

Other Highlights:

• Doing karaoke with the amazing high school students (our Penn Pals) from the Hobby School 

• Traveling to the countryside and seeing the wildlife, gers, and snow!

• Learning about how a man who was introduced as building solar panels, basically owned most of the businesses in his Ger District and how he balances his business practices. 

• Meeting the herders who allowed us to learn about how they take care of their sheep and allowing us to interact with them!

• Learning about the history of the country and seeing some hidden gems with a citizen we met in our own exploration of the country.