Office of Study Abroad

Profile: Samuel Hadego '27

Major/minor: Biology and HSSP Majors

Study abroad program: Brandeis in Mérida: Public Health in the Yucatán Peninsula, Summer 2025

Reason you chose this program: I was first a Biology Major only, but my friend Christa, who is a HSSP Major, convinced me to apply to the program and said it would make it easier to do so. I applied somewhat apprehensively, but we both got it so I decided I would commit. I was still unsure about whether a semester abroad was right for me, and a summer would be a good litmus test for that. I also wanted to practice my Spanish on the side (and travel internationally).

Favorite classes: HSSP 137A - Contemporary Issues in Public Health in the Yucatán

How did you incorporate your Brandeis major/areas of study into your abroad experience? As a Biology major, I was really interested in the diet and nutrition aspect of the learning and seeing how accessibility played a role into that. As a now HSSP major, I looked at theories of health and the role of the government in providing what we define as "health services."

Housing situation: I stayed with a host family around a 20 minute walk away from the study center (IFSA). I was able to get 3 meals a day from them, 16 hours of AC, and my own room, closet, and personal bathroom. They would also drive us to and from for excursions.

What were some parts of your identity that you thought about while considering study abroad that other students may want to talk to you about? Me being black in a predominately Mexican city was something I was curious but not worried about. I'm sure for some, I was maybe the first black person they've ever seen in Mérida (probably first Ethiopian). I was super lucky and gained so many new friends and memories. Race was only an issue a few times in stores: at times, cops would follow my friend and I around since we were the only black people in the establishment. Outside of that, we were obviously given the typical foreigner experience, but nothing that attacked my identity. I was also worried about my host family or that we wouldn't click, but we actually got along really well and I looked forward to chatting with them every day.

What was your greatest challenge? Getting out more. My Spanish was good but not perfect so at times I'd struggle when I was out and about. Luckily, half of our cohort was basically fluent in Spanish so the rest of us stuck around closely.

Favorite memory: Going on the bike tour in the city on a Sunday morning. They close the main street and you can rent bikes for cheap.

What do you know now that you didn't know before? That adjusting to a new environment is a lot quicker when you're this young, so travel now so you can do so. ALSO BUDGETING!! It can be hard since things are a lot cheaper there, but keep track of your money.

Fact about Mexico that you think people would be surprised to learn? It's actually very easy to get around! The region lacks any incline and there's a lot of public transit.