What has been your favorite travel destination, why?
Iceland has been one of my favorite travel destinations. I have been there four times. Icelandic hotdogs, puffin sashimi with mustard, and fermented shark top the list of the tastiest and most interesting culinary experiences I have ever had. It’s also very easy to get around the island, it has a great party scene, and the locals are super friendly.
How old were you when you went on your first international trip?
Technically, around 1. My mum shipped me off with some aunties to spend a year in Ibague, Colombia. They eventually shipped me back.
When traveling, what’s your “must-see”?
I enjoy finding quirky hidden gems in any city that I visit. Most recently, I participated in real life Mario Kart through the streets of Tokyo. I also enjoy visiting wildlife sanctuaries whenever possible.
Describe a time when you went outside of your comfort zone while traveling.
One of my least favorite foods is tripe. As part of a First Year Seminar in Cameroon, Africa, we visited my professor’s home village. We met the King of the village who served us a regional dish of tripe soup. I didn’t want to be disrespectful, so I pretended to enjoy it. Truth is, my friend Drew next to me loved it. When he finished his bowl, I switched it out with mine under the table.
Describe your most memorable restaurant experience while traveling.
There are many but most recently, in Beijing, I went to a restaurant that was almost impossible to find. It only seated 10 people at a time and no advanced reservations. It was an 8 course meal that 
left me wanting round 9. You are about 6 feet away from the chefs preparing your meal. You also don’t know who you will sit with as all the meals are family style. Turns out, I sat next to an MSU alumnae from Seattle, Washington. Small world!
What’s remaining on your travel bucket list?
Greenland, New Caledonia, Bolivia, Madagascar, Algeria (about 78 left before I have traveled to them all)
What is your favorite seat on an airplane?
Aisle, never the first row though. I like room to store my bag in. I’ll only sit by a window if it is the emergency row and a 1+2 configuration.
What do you love about Michigan?
I am a huge fan of Northern Michigan in the summer. The water is still chilly but perfect for a hot summer’s day. I especially like all the festivals throughout the Mitten, like the Cherry festival, ArtPrize, Taste of Ann Arbor and many more.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Cryptozoologist
Best way to pack your bag? Roll or fold?
Stop, drop, and roll!
Interested in learning more about our programs and exchanges? Take a look at our website, americansemester.msu.edu, where you can find a variety of resources.
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ASP&E @ MSU 