Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.7.2, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Sara's Wish Foundation Put Safety First ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://saraswish.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Nigeria - Rayna Haque (2024)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/nigeria-rayna-haque-2024/) - I recently had the pleasure of traveling to Lagos, Nigeria to participate in a research project working in HBV and HPV vaccination with the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research and 4 Communities By Communities. It was an honor to be surrounded by so many bright, passionate minds and so many people eager to show me - [Mexico - Taylor Fie (2014)](https://saraswish.org/region/central-america/mexico-taylor-fie-2014/) - 1. Pack light and cheap: Carrying a huge amount of luggage or costly items can cause multiple problems--it can be hard to keep track of multiple bags and might grab the wrong kind of attention, making you susceptible to theft. It’s best to leave valuable things, like nice cameras, jewelry, and watches at home instead - [Bolivia - Karla Mendoza (2014)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/bolivia-karla-mendoza-2014/) - • Be extremely cautious when crossing streets. Make eye contact with drivers and walk quickly across streets. Many streets in Bolivia don’t have pedestrian signals for walking and stopping. Car drivers are impatient and will advance as soon as the street light turns green, whether or not you’ve finished crossing the street. • Only drink - [Tanzania - Colleen Lane (2014)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/tanzania-colleen-lane-2014/) - Healthcare Tip Sheet: Traveling to or Living in Tanzania? What to know before you go. Dispensaries and small community health centers, as well as traditional healers deliver the majority of healthcare in Tanzania. However there are also district hospitals, regional hospitals, and finally the consult hospitals which all have different services and varied ability to - [Peru - Kali Basman (2014)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/peru-kali-basman-2014/) - I strongly encourage any reader to make the journey to Peru. From the serene villages nestled into the jungle along the Amazon River, to the endless stairways through the vivid streets of a crowded and colorful Cusco, Peru has something to offer every traveler. Of course, every traveler should go equipped with some basic knowledge - [Kenya - Katy Bullard (2014)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/kenya-katy-bullard-2014/) - Travel tips: • Before departing, sign up for alerts through the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. • Contact your health insurance provider before going to check on their policies for international travel, and consider investing in travel insurance. Through providers like Global Nomads, it's quite inexpensive and can make a huge difference. • Do - [Zambia - Sara Seghezzo (2014)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/zambia-sara-seghezzo-2014/) - -Before you go: Register with the US embassy. You'll receive email notifications if anything is happening in any of the countries your traveling in. -Go to your local travel clinic and make sure your vaccinations are all up to date. Even though Zambia does not require yellow fever vaccine, other African countries (including South Africa) - [Morocco - Aerion Ward (2014)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/morocco-aerion-ward-2014/) - 1. Be vigilant and observant, unlike the United States, going for casual aloof strolls is not a suggested thing. 2. When walking, move with authority as though you know where you are going and with a clear defined purpose. 3. Learn key words immediately upon arrival, No, How Much, Too Expensive. 4. Make sure you - [India - Victoria Larsen (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/india-victoria-larsen-2013/) - One of the best pieces of advice I can offer for safe travel, whether it be in a neighboring town or an unexplored corner of the world, is to always have a travel plan. Books and movies love to romanticize the idea of spontaneity. More often than not, characters jump into extravagant travel adventures on - [Costa Rica - Rebecca Flint (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/central-america/costa-rica-rebecca-flint-2013/) - As far as traveling is concerned, I would consider Costa Rica one of the safest options based on its stable government, low crime rates, and great health care system. That being said, my travel safety tips are focusing on choosing where you are going to travel, with what program you are going to travel, and - [Rwanda & Zambia - Sarah Smith (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/rwanda-zambia-sarah-smith-2013/) - Traveling abroad can be an extremely rewarding and even life changing experience, but you need to be prepared in order to have a safe and enjoyable trip. Some basic safety tips which are important when traveling abroad are to learn about the history and the culture of the place before you go. This will influence - [Ecuador - Taina Paredes (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/ecuador-taina-paredes-2013/) - 1. Make sure to visit your doctor and get all of the vaccinations and medications that you may need, especially if you are travel to different places in a country. In Ecuador, there are several health risks including malaria and altitude sickness. You want to be prepared and informed. 2. Get locks for your suitcases. - [Nicaraugua - Katy Peake (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/central-america/nicaraugua-katy-peake-2013/) - Firstly, review other Sara’s Wish safety tips! Jen Bishop wrote about educating yourself on where you’ll be traveling to, signing up with the State Department and maintaining contact with people in the US, getting vaccinated, purchasing a cell phone in your host country, using common sense, and having a safety plan in place in case - [Botswana - Emily MacDuffie (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/botswana-emily-macduffie-2014/) - Being Safe in Botswana: Lessons from a Young Traveler When I learned that I would be spending the next six months studying cervical cancer in Botswana, my brain was bombarded by questions. How would I get there? Would my patients like me? How would I pack for frigid nights and frying-pan hot days? What food - [Namibia - Elizabeth Skurdahl (2014)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/namibia-elizabeth-skkurdahl-2014/) - Hitchhiking: Hitchhiking, or simply “hiking” as it is referred to locally, is the most common form of transport in Namibia (and in much of southern Africa). Many people in Namibia who live in remote areas don’t have their own vehicles, so they get rides with those who do, splitting the cost of gas. In addition - [Peru - Genevieve Smith (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/peru-genevieve-smith-2013/) - In mid February -- before I was scheduled to leave for Cusco, Peru in early March – an issue was released by the U.S. Embassy to U.S. tourists of a potential kidnapping threat in the Cusco region. The U.S. embassy believed there was a threat from the Peruvian terrorist group, The Shining Path. The Shining - [Tanzania + General Tips - Rachel Hagues (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/tanzania-general-tips-rachel-hagues-2013/) - Lessons Learned in International Travel: Tips for Others Learn greetings and basic local words People love to be greeted in their own language. Especially if traveling to a remote area, making the effort at least to learn how to greet the locals can make all the difference! You can quickly go from being the stuck-up - [Chile and Patagonia - Tammy Elwell (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/chile-and-patagonia-tammy-elwell-2013/) - Before arrival • Learn about area to know place names, modes of transportation, and local norms. • Try to locate a local contact person through a trusted source, and establish communication with that local point person. • Develop skills to listen to intuition and instincts. Meditation, yoga, and other practices help develop skills of self-awareness - [Viet Nam - Lan Ngo (2013)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/lan-ngo-viet-nam-2013/) - Travel Tips For Vietnam 1. On three different occasions, strangers have grabbed at my body before. Luckily, nothing else happened. Be prepared to yell back, but I would not advise attacking or hitting anyone if you are sexually harassed in this way, as violence in fights can escalate very quickly in Vietnam. 2. Avoid extravagance. - [Haiti - Jane Park (2012)](https://saraswish.org/region/caribbean/haiti-jane-park-2012/) - Jane Park, . Here are Jane Park's travel safety tips: First off, general safety tips. Register with the American Embassy. You can do this online or by fax. Travel with at least one other person when possible, or at least let people know where you are when you’re out. Plan in advance, including for - [Peru - Anna Kirsch (2012)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/peru-anna-kirsch-2012/) - Anna Kirsch, is a medical student at Georgia Health Sciences University. Anna (Mariah) worked in Peru during the summer of 2012, leading a research team that is assessing the impact of cancer initiatives by a local clinic in the Andes. Mariah received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Anna's travel safety tips: Peru has become a - [Nepal - Briana Cranmer (2012)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/nepal-briana-cranmer-2012/) - Briana Cranmer, is a medical student at the University of Arizona. During the summer of 2012, Briana worked in Nepal, providing direct health services in small villages as part of the Village Volunteer Program. Briana received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Briana's travel safety tips: Preparation to leave: Register with the U.S. Embassy Schedule - [Ecuador - Gwen Niekamp (2012)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/ecuador-gwen-niekamp-2012/) - Gwen Niekamp, graduated from Vassar College. Gwen volunteered this summer at the summer camp in Ecuador founded by another SWF recipient, Emma Coates-Finke. Gwen received a $1000 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Gwen's travel safety tips: Before you go, learn as much as you can about your destination—both the country as a whole - [Malawi - Kelli Wong (2012)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/malawi-kelli-wong-2012/) - Kelli Wong, graduated from Colgate University and received her medical degree from Tulane. Now in her residency in pediatrics, Kelly spent a month in Malawi providing medical care to HIV positive children. Kelly received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Kelli's travel safety tips: Always let someone know where you are going, how you are traveling, - [Argentina - Kimberly Ellenson (2012)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/argentina-kimberly-ellenson-2012/) - Kimberly Ellenson, is a graduate of Cornell University. Kimberly is living in Argentina for six months, where she is volunteering with the Foundation for Sustainable Development and focusing on increasing access to health care for impoverished citizens. Kimberly received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Kimberly's travel safety tips: The Argentine Northwest is replete - [Kenya - Mariah Hennen (2012)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/kenya-mariah-hennen-2012/) - Mariah Hennen, is a student at Kalamazoo College. Mariah spent the summer of 2012 in Kenya where she is worked with The Umoja Project, developing a palliative care program for vulnerable children. Mariah received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Mariah's travel safety tips: Kenya touched my inner-soul and left there a mark that - [India - Olya Clark (2012)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/india-olya-clark-2012/) - Olya Clark, is a doctoral student in public health at UMass/Amherst. Olya traveled to India where she worked at an educational center, focusing on creating a program for abandoned women. Olya received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Olya Clark's travel safety tips: My first travel tip would be to read the tips - [Malawi - Yuen Ho (2012)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/malawi-yuen-ho-2012/) - Yuen Ho, graduated from UNC Chapel Hill, where she majored in economics. Yuen worked in Malawi this the 2012 summer, interning with a non-profit organization to help develop leadership programs for youth. Yuen received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Yuen Ho's travel safety tips: First and foremost, Malawi lives up to its name as - [India - Ruju Rai (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/india-ruju-rai-2011/) - Ruju Rai, a medical student at Boston University Ruju, spent six months in India volunteering with the "Unite for Sight" organization which works to eliminate preventable blindness among people who live in extreme poverty. Ruju was awarded the Inga Tocher scholarship for 2011 in the amount of $1750 from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Ruju's travel - [Ghana - Robin Baudreau (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/ghana-robin-baudreau-2011/) - Robin Baudreau is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts/Amherst in journalism and political science. Robin traveled to Ghana in the fall of 2011 where she worked with the program ACT (Alliance for Community Transformation) helping to build an orphanage and teaching in a small school. Robin received a $1000 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here - [Ghana - Maria Crossman (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/ghana/) - Maria Crossman is working on her masters degree in public administration at George Washington University. Maria traveled to Ghana during the summer of 2011 where she volunteered in an orphanage, teaching and mentoring the children in ways that support both their intellectual and social growth. Maria received a $2000 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Maria's travel - [Brazil - Katy Miller (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/brazil/) - Katy Miller is a medical student at the University of Iowa. Katy spent the summer working on a human rights project that addresses barriers to care for children with disabilities in Brazil. Rachel was awarded a $1000 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Katy's travel safety tips: Know the area. Ask locals which neighborhoods and streets are safe, and - [Mexico - Sarah Isbey (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/central-america/mexico/) - Sarah Isbey, a graduate of Dartmouth College, is a medical student at UNC – Chapel Hill. This summer, Sarah worked in several rural villages in Mexico, implementing training programs regarding basic medical emergencies. Sarah received a $1000 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Sarah's travel safety tips: Travel and work in groups whenever possible! Get to know your - [Cambodia and Ecuador - Tanya Gonzalez (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/cambodia-and-ecuador/) - Tanya Gonzalez is pursuing a medical degree at Howard University. During the summer 0f 2011, Tanya contributed her medical expertise to under-served populations in both Cambodia (for two weeks) and Ecuador (for six weeks). Tanya’s volunteer work is possible thanks to a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Tanya's travel safety tips for Cambodia: I found the Cambodian people to be - [Nicaragua - Hilary Robbins (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/central-america/nicaragua/) - Hilary Robbins is a graduate of Duke University. Hilary spent six months in Nicaragua, performing a research study in an impoverished community to determine health needs, developing a program design for a free clinic, and then applying for monetary grants and medical supply donations to make the clinic a reality. Hilary received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s - [Tibet - Nancy Zimmerman (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/tibet/) - Nancy Zimmerman is studying to be a nurse practitioner at UCLA. Nancy worked as a nurse practitioner in the Himalayan Health Exchange Program in Tibet this summer. Nancy received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Nancy's travel safety tips: Do not be hesitant in whatever form of transportation that you choose (car, rickshaw, carriage) to - [Kenya - Jackie Mroz (2010)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/kenya-jackie-mroz-2010/) - Jackie Mroz is a graduate of the University of Oregon. Jackie is spending the academic year (2010-2011) in Kenya, interning with the Foundation for Sustainable Development. Jackie received a $2000 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Jackie's travel safety tips: Follow your gut. If something feels unsafe or “not-right”, leave or seek a safer - [India - Ericka Schnitzer (2000)](https://saraswish.org/year/2000/india-ericka-schnitzer-2000/) - Ericka Schnitzer applied for her scholarship while pursuing a MA/PhD degree at the Divinity School at the Unversity of Chicago. Ericka attended a Hindi language immersion program in Rajasthan, India, during the fall of 2000. While in India Ericka worked with a group of children on art projects aimed at gaining an understanding of their - [Philippines - Jeanette Heinrichs (2001)](https://saraswish.org/year/2001/philippines-jeanette-heinrichs-2001/) - Jeanette Heinrichs was pursuing a dissertation in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2001. The $1000 Jeanette received from Sara’s Wish Foundation helped to defray the costs of her trip to The Philippines where she engaged in field research studying the efforts of Filipina women to combat the global trafficking of women. Here are - [India - Elizabeth Parsons (2001)](https://saraswish.org/year/2001/india-elizabeth-parsons-2001/) - Elizabeth Parsons, was medical student at Duke University when she was awarded a scholarship of $1500, to support her participation in an expedition to bring medical care to a Tibetan refugee population in India this past summer. Here are Elizabeth's travel safety tips: When traveling in the mountains, hire drivers who live in the mountain - [Europe - Tanyaporn Wansom (2006)](https://saraswish.org/year/2006/europe-tanyaporn-wansom-2006/) - Tanyaporn Wansom is a 2002 graduate of Swarthmore College, now studying medicine at the University of Michigan. Tanya received a $1500 scholarship from Sara's Wish Foundation so that she could participate in the Global Health Fellows Program (a health policy internship program) in Geneva, Switzerland. Here are Tanyaporn's travel safety tips: Although Europe is generally - [Thailand - Jaime Moo-Young (2006)](https://saraswish.org/year/2006/thailand-jaime-moo-young-2006/) - Jaime Moo-Young studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and has a bachelor's degree from Yale University. Jaime is spending a year in Bangkok, Thailand studying barriers to health care services among the poor. Jaime received a $1000 scholarship from Sara's Wish Foundation. Here are Jaime's travel safety tips: Transportation Safety In Bangkok, the easiest - [Kenya - Jodi Sebso (2006)](https://saraswish.org/year/2006/kenya-jodi-sebso-2006/) - Jodi Sebso completed medical school at the University of Arizona in 2006. Jodi used her $1500 scholarship from Sara's Wish Foundation to support work in a community clinic in Kenya. Here are Jodi's travel safety tips: Traveling in Kenya is definitely not for the faint-hearted or those with back problems! Before you go, register with - [Uganda - Kelly Grafing (2006)](https://saraswish.org/year/2006/uganda-kelly-grafing-2006/) - Kelly Grafing was a medical resident in pediatrics at the University of Minnesota in 2006. Kelly used her $1000 scholarship from Sara's Wish Foundation to support her participation in an elective program in Kampala, Uganda where she provided inpatient care to children with extreme malnourishment and rare diseases. Here are Kelly's travel safety tips: Make - [Cameroon - Sarah Sawyer (2009)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/cameroon-sarah-sawyer-2009/) - Sarah Sawyer is a doctoral student in environmental policy, and management at UC Berkeley. Sarah spent the month of January in Cameroon where she examined human-landscape interactions and their impacts on endangered species and on the sustainability of critical ecosystems, thanks to a $1500 from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Sarah's travel safety tips: Cameroon - [India - Rachel Meeker (2010)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/india-rachel-meeker-2010/) - Rachel Meeker received both her bachelors and masters degrees from UC Riverside in sociology and religious studies. Rachel worked in India with the Child Leader Project, focusing on higher education for disadvantaged youth. Rachel received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Rachel's travel safety tips: When traveling with a group, the most - [Cambodia - Mary Jo Pham (2009)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/cambodia-mary-jo-pham-2009/) - Mary Jo Pham grew up in Springfield, MA, and has completed her sophomore year at Tufts University. Mary Jo worked in the Public Affairs Office at the US Embassy in Phom Penh, Cambodia during the summer, concentrating on press, cultural, educational programs. Mary Jo received a $1000 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Mary - [Ecuador - Emma Coates-Finke (2010)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/ecuador-emma-coates-finke-2010/) - Emma Coates-Finke is a graduate of Northampton High School and a student at Vassar College. Emma worked in Ecuador teaching English and running a culture and arts-based summer camp in a small indigenous agricultural community. Emma received $1000 from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Read Emma's travel safety tips: 1) If possible, travel with a buddy or - [Venezuela - Azita Jacobson (2006)](https://saraswish.org/year/2006/venezuela-azita-jacobson-2006/) - Azita Jacobson is a graduate student in Public Health at New York Medical College. Azita received a scholarship of $1500 from Sara's Wish Foundation in order to support her study of the effects of harmful household environmental pollutants on pregnant women in Marcibo, Venezuela. Here are Azita's travel safety tips: Maraciabo is blistering year round, - [Peru - Rachel Sandler (2009)](https://saraswish.org/region/south-america/peru-rachel-sandler-2009/) - Rachel Sandler studied for her MD/MPH at the University of Iowa. Rachel worked on a public health project in Peru for the 2009/2010 school year, a collaboration that was part of Patch Adams’ global initiative to combat childhood malnutrition. Rachel received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Rachel's travel safety tips: Undoubtedly - [Ecuador - Bina Valsangkar (2007)](https://saraswish.org/year/2007/ecuador-bina-valsangkar-2007/) - Bina Valsangkar was a medical student at the University of Michigan. Bina is the founder and president of The Quito Project, a non-profit health and education program for the poor in Ecuador. The $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation helped Bina continue her work in Quito. Here are Bina's travel safety tips: Pickpockets and thieves - [Ecuador - Stacy Sprando (2008)](https://saraswish.org/year/2006/ecuador-stacy-sprando-2008/) - Stacy Sprando graduated from Stanford University in March 2008. Her $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation supported her work providing primary health care services as well as psychological and educational support services to young women in Ecuador over a ten month period beginning in September 2008. Here are Stacy's travel safety tips: Ecuador is a - [Bolivia - Caitlin Daniel (2006)](https://saraswish.org/year/2006/bolivia-caitlin-daniel-2006/) - Caitlin Daniel graduated from Smith College in May 2006. Caitlin was granted a $1000 scholarship from Sara's Wish Foundation in order to volunteer in La Paz, Bolivia for six months where she worked in a children's home. Here are Caitlin's travel safety tips: Avoid traveling at night. Sometimes this is simply not possible because some - [Guatemala - Jen Bishop (2010)](https://saraswish.org/region/central-america/guatemala-jen-bishop-2010/) - Jen Bishop is a medical student at the University of Colorado. Jen traveled to rural Guatemala where she educated community health workers on improved nutritional practices, early childhood health interventions, etc. Jen received $1500 from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Jen's travel safety tips: Guatemala is an unbelievably beautiful place with many volcanoes to climb, - [Australia - Kristine Schad (2000)](https://saraswish.org/year/2000/austrailia-kristine-schad-2000/) - Kristine Schad majored in biology at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. During summer 2000, Kristine participated in a School for Field Studies program in northeastern Australia. Kristine studied tropical reforestation and worked with the community, government, and biological staff on limiting the destruction of the tropical rainforest. Kristine lived in the rainforest on - [Philippines - Lena Fairless (2000)](https://saraswish.org/year/2000/philippines-lena-fairless-2000/) - Lena Fairless pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Truman State University in Missouri where she also received a BS degree in biology in 1997. During summer 2000, Lena and eleven other nursing majors traveled to the Philippines where they worked in a variety of primitive medical settings. Lena’s award of $1000 covered - [Nepal - Karen Mera (2000)](https://saraswish.org/year/2000/nepal-karen-mera-2000/) - Karen Mera was student at the Yale School of Nursing when she applied to Sara's Wish Foundation. Her plans were to graduate in 2001 with a Master’s of Science degree in nursing with the training to be licensed as a family nurse practitioner. Karen spent summer 2000 volunteering in a hospital in Kathmandu, working in - [China - Kristin Johnson (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/asia/china-kristin-johnson-2011/) - Kristin Johnson holds a masters degree in public health from Boston University. Kristin worked in rural China with the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Treatment Support Project. Her work included expanding strategies to promote the adherence to life-saving HIV medications and developing community health worker training programs. Kristin received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are - [Zimbabwe - Ashley Currier (2000)](https://saraswish.org/year/2000/zimbabwe-ashley-currier-2000/) - Ashley Currier was a master’s degree student in English at the University of Pittsburgh. During the summer 2000, she worked on a project to promote women’s literacy while interning with one of Zimbabwe’s national presses. Ashley was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1000 to pay for the cost of her airplane ticket to - [Zambia - Nisha Thampi (2001)](https://saraswish.org/year/2001/zambia-nisha-thampi-2001/) - Nisha Thampi was a student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2001, with the help of a $1500 scholarship, Nisha traveled to Zambia where she worked with children orphaned because of the death of their parents from HIV/AIDS. Nisha will pursue a graduate degree in public health from the University of Michigan. Here are - [Tanzania - Jesse McKenna (2011)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/tanzania-jesse-mckenna-2011/) - Jesse McKenna received her masters degree in international public health from Boston University. In fall 2010, Jesse spent 3 ½ months in Tanzania interning with the Foundation for African Medicine and Education where she developed and implemented a long-term health education curriculum for its mobile health clinics. Jesse received a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish - [South Africa - Michelle Pent (1999)](https://saraswish.org/year/1999/south-africa-michelle-pent-1999/) - Michelle Pent pursued a combined MD/MPH degree at Tufts University during the time period in which the Foundation awarded Michelle $2100 - the cost of her airline ticket to Johannesburg, South Africa - so she could participate in a study of nutrition in children with HIV. The purpose of this research was to assess the - [Nigeria - Stephanie Borden (2006)](https://saraswish.org/year/2006/nigeria-stephanie-borden-2006/) - Stephanie Borden received a Masters in Public Health degree from UC Berkeley. Stephanie was awarded $1000 from Sara's Wish Foundation in support of her work on a field study in the area of family planning in Benin, Nigeria in 2006. Here are Stephanie's travel safety tips: While in Nigeria, many of the people I met - [Namibia - Emily Dodds (1998)](https://saraswish.org/year/1998/namibia-emily-dodds-1998/) - Emily Dodds was our first recipient. A graduate of Notre Dame, Emily was granted a scholarship of $2500. This funding helped defray the costs of participating in the WorldTeach program in Namibia, Africa. Emily returned from Africa in December 1998, and visited the Schewes in Amherst in January 1999. Here are Emily's travel safety tips: - [Uganda - Jocelyn Cook (2009)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/uganda-jocelyn-cook-2009/) - Jocelyn Cook has a masters degree in global studies from Northeastern University. Thanks to a $1000 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation, Jocelyn spent three months in Uganda working for general health and specifically AIDS education for a non-profit foundation. Here are Jocelyn's travel safety tips: Hire a private driver opposed to public transit – this - [Kenya and Uganda - Katie Fiorella (2010)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/kenya-and-uganda-katie-fiorella-2010/) - Katie Fiorella is a UC Berkeley PhD. student in environmental science and public policy and a Princeton University grad. Thanks to a $1500 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation, Katie worked in Uganda and Kenya, exploring the implications of human-wildlife interactions, specifically as they relate to the transmission of disease. Here are Katie's travel safety tips: - [Kenya - Jeannie Schumpert Dias (2009)](https://saraswish.org/year/2007/kenya-jeannie-schumpert-dias-2009/) - Jeannie Schumpert Dias is a recent medical school graduate and an officer/physician in the US Army. Jeannie’s $1000 scholarship from Sara’s Wish Foundation supported her work in Kenya during March when she provided medical attention and education primarily to impoverished women. Here are Jeannie's travel safety tips: Never travel at night! The roads in most - [Ghana - Rachael Bonawitz (2006)](https://saraswish.org/year/2006/ghana-rachael-bonawitz-2006/) - Rachael Bonawitz is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College. Rachael received a $1300 scholarship from Sara's Wish Foundation to support her work as a laboratory researcher in Kumasi, Ghana. Here are Rachael's travel safety tips: - Try to arrive in daylight - the airport is not necessarily near downtown Accra and trying to charter a - [West Africa - Kelly Dahl (2009)](https://saraswish.org/region/africa/west-africa/) - Kelly Dahl is a registered dietician and graduate of Pepperdine University. Kelly spent a year working on Mercy Ships off of the coast of West Africa — a floating hospital that helps those who have no access to health care. Kelly received a scholarship of $1500 from Sara’s Wish Foundation. Here are Kelly's travel safety tips: Being cautious ## Pages - [Welcome](https://saraswish.org/) - SARA'S WISH FOUNDATION was established to perpetuate the memory of Sara Christie Schewe. In 1996, Sara, a beautiful and loving young woman, was killed in a fatal bus crash in India along with three classmates while participating in the University of Pittsburgh's Semester at Sea Program. The mission of Sara’s Wish Foundation is to sustain - [Past Recipients](https://saraswish.org/scholarships/past-recipients/) - Here is a list of past scholarship recipients. Global Humanitarian Awards 2025 SWF continued to underwrite the costs of editing Alina Simone’s second film Fear Zone. The SWF board agreed to give Alina two (final) grants totaling $30,000 in order for Alina’s editing team to reach the rough-cut stage and thus unlock the financing they need - [News](https://saraswish.org/news/) - November 2025 The news about SWF’s multi-year scholarship award recipient, documentary filmmaker Alina Simone, is truly spectacular! For several years, we provided financial support for Alina’s feature documentary film, Black Snow, which shines light on the human cost of open pit coal mining. This year, Black Snow has been featured in 25+documentary film festivals around - [Seatbelt Initiatives](https://saraswish.org/seatbelt-initiatives/) - November 2025 Update: Our seatbelt usage research collaboration with our partners in the UMass Transportation Center is making headway. As you may recall from past SWF newsletters, findings from our National Safety Council Road to Zero grant work in 2019-21 showed that having a state law promoted a 25% increase in passengers buckling up while - [Make a Donation](https://saraswish.org/make-a-donation/) - We want to protect our children from unnecessary danger and support them as they pursue their dreams and adventures. Please help us to promote safety initiatives and support our scholarship and award program. Or, mail contributions to: Sara's Wish Foundation 23 Ash Lane Amherst, MA 01002 Phone: (413) 427-1158 - [Scholarships](https://saraswish.org/scholarships/) - The Mission of the Scholarship Fund is to perpetuate Sara's ideals by providing financial support for humanitarian work around the world for young women who share Sara's zest for life, love of adventure, and zeal to excel. Sara's Wish Foundation scholarships have been awarded to extraordinary young women committed to making the world a better - [Sara’s Wish Foundation’s Global Humanitarian Award](https://saraswish.org/humanitarian-application-form/) - Beginning in the fall of 2104, only previous scholarship recipients were eligible to apply for funding from Sara’s Wish Foundation. One or two previous recipients received awards each year, with amounts ranging from $1000 to $15,000. These awards were given for sustained, substantial humanitarian work in the global community. [Note: As of January 2025, the - [New England Bus Association One Pager](https://saraswish.org/new-england-bus-association-one-pager/) - [SWF and Center for Transportation Slide Series](https://saraswish.org/swf-and-center-for-transportation-side-series/) - Doubling Down with Seatbelts v4 050222Download - [SWF Newspaper 2022](https://saraswish.org/swf-newspaper-2022/) - SW Times 2022Download - [SWF Newspaper 2021](https://saraswish.org/swf-newspaper-2021/) - SW-Times-2021-3Download - [Alina Simone Statement: 2021](https://saraswish.org/alina-simone-statement-2021/) - Alina Simone’s Exciting News about her documentary Black Snow This year sees us finishing production on Black Snow and preparing for the final edit, which is scheduled to begin in Denmark in the winter of 2022. This spring and summer, the film was awarded numerous prestigious and highly competitive grants, including: The International Documentary - [Maria Hetman Statement: 2021](https://saraswish.org/maria-hetman-statement-2021/) - Words of Appreciation from Maria Hetman I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to you and your supporters for believing in me and supporting my goal of doing good in the world through environmental work which is so badly needed today. Especially because the mission of your organization is deeply personal to you, I - [Nathasja Stgatement: 2021](https://saraswish.org/nathasja-stgatement-2021/) - Nathasja van Leeuwen Shares Her Dreams with Sara’s Wish Foundation The world is far from perfect. I dream of fewer patients, and of better ways to cure them. Road safety, maternal health, women empowerment, domestic and alcohol abuse and mental health are only some of the issues that need to be addressed. As mentioned - [Rena Letter](https://saraswish.org/rena-letter/) - Dear Mrs. and Mr. Schewe, From what I have read about and heard from Wendy, Sara and I could have been good friends. I am also a former scholar-athlete and world wanderer. In fact it was in South Africa, where I spent my junior year abroad (where I remember meeting friends off the Semester at - [Alina Simone Statement - Feb 2020](https://saraswish.org/alina-simone-statement-feb-2020/) - Fifteen years ago, I was the recipient of a Sara’s Wish Foundation grant at a turning point in my life. I was a graduate student at NYU, getting my master’s degree in public service with a concentration on international development, and had decided to take a semester off in order to work with an - [SWF Newspaper November 2020](https://saraswish.org/swf-newspaper-december-2020/) - [About Sara](https://saraswish.org/about-sara/) - Sara Christie Schewe: Scholar, Athlete, Role Model, Artist Sara was an extraordinary, loving young woman, with a rare combination of intelligence, talent, charm, and grace. She grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts and attended Fort River elementary school and the Amherst Junior High School before entering Deerfield Academy in 1989 as a member of the first - [SWF Newspaper 2018](https://saraswish.org/2018-newspaper/) - Full Newspaper - [INTERCITY BUS SAFETY SUMMIT FINAL REPORT](https://saraswish.org/intercity-bus-safety-summit-final-report/) - Full Report - [Zumbabwe - Ashley Currier (2000)](https://saraswish.org/zumbabwe-ashley-currier-2000/) - Ashley Currier was a master’s degree student in English at the University of Pittsburgh. During the summer 2000, she worked on a project to promote women’s literacy while interning with one of Zimbabwe’s national presses. Ashley was awarded a scholarship in the amount of $1000 to pay for the cost of her airplane ticket to - [Sara’s Wish Foundation Tackles Retrofitting Existing U.S. Motorcoaches with Seatbelts](https://saraswish.org/seatbelt-initiatives/saras-wish-foundation-tackles-retrofitting-existing-u-s-motorcoaches-with-seatbelts/) - After a number of years of debate, in December, 2013 the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act [MESA] which mandates beginning in 2016 all U.S. motorcoaches must have seats with three-point safety restraints. However, the 30,000 existing buses on the road today were not mandated to be retrofitted because - [Asia](https://saraswish.org/scholarships/photo-gallery-asia/) - [Preliminary Scholarship/Award Application Form](https://saraswish.org/scholarships/preliminary-scholarship-application-form/) - [gravityform id="1"] - [Retrofitting Motorcoaches with Seatbelts!](https://saraswish.org/retrofitting-motorcoaches-with-seatbelts/) - Sara’s Wish Foundation Tackles Retrofitting Existing U.S. Motorcoaches with Seatbelts After a number of years of debate, in December, 2013 the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act [MESA] which mandates beginning in 2016 all U.S. motorcoaches must have seats with three-point safety restraints. However, the 30,000 existing buses on - [South America](https://saraswish.org/scholarships/photo-gallery-south-america/) - [Central America](https://saraswish.org/scholarships/photo-gallery-central-america/) - [Africa](https://saraswish.org/scholarships/photo-gallery-africa/) - [Scholarship Recipient Photo Gallery](https://saraswish.org/travel-safety/travel-tips-from-scholarship-recipients/) - Sara's Wish Scholarship recipients have traveled the world in order to contribute to the education, health, and well-being of our global community. Since the scholarship program was established in 1997, more than 160 scholarships have been awarded to deserving young women for humanitarian travel to more than 50 countries. Check out our photo gallery of scholarship recipients. Asia Africa Australia Central America South - [Australia](https://saraswish.org/scholarships/photo-gallery-australia/) - Coming Soon! Photo gallery of recipients in Australia - [USA Today Articles](https://saraswish.org/about-sara/usa-today-articles/) - The PERILS of STUDYING ABROAD Who is to blame when U.S. students become ill or even die? Friday, September 12, 1997 USA TODAY COVER STORY India crash wake up call for schools and parents. By J. Taylor Buckley USA TODAY The world and its media hardly blinked when a tour bus crashed in India - [Travel Safety](https://saraswish.org/travel-safety/) - A Message from Anne and Charles Schewe: In 1996, our daughter Sara viewed study abroad as an important part of her university experience. Tragedy struck and she was killed as a passenger on a bus in India 1996 and if we had known then what we know now about road travel in India, we may - [Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenarios](https://saraswish.org/travel-safety/preparing-for-the-worst-case-scenarios/) - Despite all of your efforts to reduce exposure to risks and to avoid threats, there is a chance you may still become the victim of a crime or critical event, just as it could in the U.S. It is important to try to avoid problems, but also to be prepared to respond if a problem does - [Transportation Issues](https://saraswish.org/travel-safety/transportation-issues/) - In many countries, especially developing countries, extreme caution should be exercised while traveling. You may encounter dangerous road conditions; untrained or unlicensed drivers; drivers operating under the influence of alcohol; vehicles that are poorly maintained and therefore hazardous (no headlights or tail lights, faulty brakes, smooth tires etc.); police check points or roadblocks; bandits and - [Personal Safety Awareness](https://saraswish.org/travel-safety/personal-safety-awareness/) - Personal safety begins with awareness. Awareness begins with a clear understanding of one’s attitudes, values, self-esteem, personal strengths and limitations. What does your attitude, dress, and body language say about your vulnerability? It continues with insight into the host culture and environment - local attitudes toward strangers, gender perceptions, values, mores and means of communicating. - [Pre-Departure Planning](https://saraswish.org/travel-safety/pre-departure-planning/) - As you prepare to travel, live, and work overseas you can enhance your safety by learning about the new environment where you will be. The internet and those who have recently traveled to the same destination are valuable sources of useful information and lessons learned. Read and carefully consider all materials issued by the sponsor - [Evaluating Study Abroad Programs for Health and Safety Good Practices](https://saraswish.org/travel-safety/evaluating-study-abroad-programs-for-health-and-safety-good-practices/) - According to NAFSA’s Guide to Education Abroad for Advisers and Administrators, evaluation of education abroad programs and the assessment of activities and student learning are vital, ongoing tasks for every program sponsor and for every sending institution. Evaluations from faculty, staff, and students should include the following: On-site orientation programs (arrival and pre-departure) Field trips - [Resources to Support Health and Safety Planning](https://saraswish.org/travel-safety/resources-to-support-health-and-safety-planning/) - Once you know where you want to study abroad, it is important to review health and safety issues in the countries where you will be studying and traveling. Following are websites that can help you plan effectively and find out about safety issues abroad: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs (http://travel.state.gov/) protects the lives and - [Reasons To Be Informed](https://saraswish.org/travel-safety/reasons-to-be-informed/) - Each college and university develops and administers study abroad programs differently. Some programs are administered by the students’ home campus or another U.S. college or university, while others are supported by international universities, private study abroad companies, and other programs where students may be students with a faculty or staff member with no formal center - [Letter from Malachy Walsh](https://saraswish.org/about-sara/letter-from-malachy-walsh/) - April 29, 1999 Charles Schewe 23 Ash Lane Amherst, Massachusetts 01002 Dear Charles, I am so sorry to hear about Sara's death, and I am so angry to hear about the irresponsible circumstances that caused it. As a Senior Partner here at J. Walter Thompson for many years I meet many young people exploring career - [Letter from David](https://saraswish.org/about-sara/letter-from-david/) - Letter from David Dickinson: Sara Schewe As a faculty member in a community that instructs and nurtures young people twenty four hours a day, I have had the opportunity to act as surrogate parent on may occasions. Some relationships deepen to friendships that last a lifetime. In nineteen years one comes to develop a "pick ## Categories - [2007](https://saraswish.org/category/year/2007/) - [2006](https://saraswish.org/category/year/2006/) - [Region](https://saraswish.org/category/region/) - [Year](https://saraswish.org/category/year/) - Year scholarship was awarded - [1998](https://saraswish.org/category/year/1998/) - [1999](https://saraswish.org/category/year/1999/) - [2001](https://saraswish.org/category/year/2001/) - [2000](https://saraswish.org/category/year/2000/) - [Europe](https://saraswish.org/category/region/europe/) - [Caribbean](https://saraswish.org/category/region/caribbean/) - [Africa](https://saraswish.org/category/region/africa/) - [Asia](https://saraswish.org/category/region/asia/) - [Australia](https://saraswish.org/category/region/australia/) - [Central America](https://saraswish.org/category/region/central-america/) - [South America](https://saraswish.org/category/region/south-america/) - [2011](https://saraswish.org/category/year/2011/) - [2010](https://saraswish.org/category/year/2010/) - [2009](https://saraswish.org/category/year/2009/) - [2012](https://saraswish.org/category/year/2012/) ## Tags - [Katy Miller](https://saraswish.org/tag/katy-miller/) - [Brazil](https://saraswish.org/tag/brazil/) - [human rights](https://saraswish.org/tag/human-rights/) - [children](https://saraswish.org/tag/children/) - [disabilities](https://saraswish.org/tag/disabilities/) - [Maria Crossman](https://saraswish.org/tag/maria-crossman/) - [George Washington University](https://saraswish.org/tag/george-washington-university/) - [Ghana](https://saraswish.org/tag/ghana/) - [orphans](https://saraswish.org/tag/orphans/) - [Sarah Isbey](https://saraswish.org/tag/sarah-isbey/) - [Dartmouth](https://saraswish.org/tag/dartmouth/) - [UNC Chapel Hill](https://saraswish.org/tag/unc-chapel-hill/) - [medical](https://saraswish.org/tag/medical/) - [Mexico](https://saraswish.org/tag/mexico/) - [Hilary Robbins](https://saraswish.org/tag/hilary-robbins/) - [Duke](https://saraswish.org/tag/duke/) - [Nicaragua](https://saraswish.org/tag/nicaragua/) - [research](https://saraswish.org/tag/research/) - [Nancy Zimmerman](https://saraswish.org/tag/nancy-zimmerman/) - [China](https://saraswish.org/tag/china/) - [nurse](https://saraswish.org/tag/nurse/) - [TIbet](https://saraswish.org/tag/tibet/) - [Tanya Gonzalez](https://saraswish.org/tag/tanya-gonzalez/) - [Howard](https://saraswish.org/tag/howard/) - [Cambodia](https://saraswish.org/tag/cambodia/) - [Ecuador](https://saraswish.org/tag/ecuador/) - [Kelly Dahl](https://saraswish.org/tag/kelly-dahl/) - [West Africa](https://saraswish.org/tag/west-africa/) - [Mercy Ships](https://saraswish.org/tag/mercy-ships/) - [Pepperdine](https://saraswish.org/tag/pepperdine/) - [Rachael Bonawitz](https://saraswish.org/tag/rachael-bonawitz/) - [laboratory](https://saraswish.org/tag/laboratory/) - [nepal](https://saraswish.org/tag/nepal/) - [briana](https://saraswish.org/tag/briana/) - [peru](https://saraswish.org/tag/peru/) - [anna](https://saraswish.org/tag/anna/) - [gwen](https://saraswish.org/tag/gwen/) - [africa](https://saraswish.org/tag/africa-2/) - [malawi](https://saraswish.org/tag/malawi/) - [kelli](https://saraswish.org/tag/kelli/) - [argentina](https://saraswish.org/tag/argentina/) - [kimberly](https://saraswish.org/tag/kimberly/) - [kenya](https://saraswish.org/tag/kenya/) - [mariah](https://saraswish.org/tag/mariah/) - [india](https://saraswish.org/tag/india/) - [olya](https://saraswish.org/tag/olya/) - [yuen](https://saraswish.org/tag/yuen/) - [haiti](https://saraswish.org/tag/haiti/) - [jane](https://saraswish.org/tag/jane/) - [youth](https://saraswish.org/tag/youth/) - [UMA](https://saraswish.org/tag/uma/) - [education](https://saraswish.org/tag/education/) - [public health](https://saraswish.org/tag/public-health/) - [abandoned women](https://saraswish.org/tag/abandoned-women/) - [palliative care](https://saraswish.org/tag/palliative-care/) - [Cornell](https://saraswish.org/tag/cornell/) - [poor](https://saraswish.org/tag/poor/) - [Colgate](https://saraswish.org/tag/colgate/) - [Tulane](https://saraswish.org/tag/tulane/) - [pediatrics](https://saraswish.org/tag/pediatrics/) - [HIV](https://saraswish.org/tag/hiv/) - [medicine](https://saraswish.org/tag/medicine/) - [Vasser](https://saraswish.org/tag/vasser/) - [summer camp](https://saraswish.org/tag/summer-camp/) - [cancer](https://saraswish.org/tag/cancer/)