Meet your Enrollment Specialist - Mary Clingerman

Where did you study abroad?

Mary Clingerman sitting in the desert with camels around her. I studied abroad in Tanzania for six weeks where I learned field-based research techniques used by local wildlife professionals.

I also participated in a multi-country program that traveled to Dubai, India, Kenya, Jordan, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, and Germany.

What is your favorite memory from your time abroad?

Mary Clingerman sitting with local villagers while studying abroad in Africa. Across both of my study abroad experiences, my favorite memories come from learning in unconventional, fully immersive ways that wouldn’t be possible in a traditional classroom. These experiences included listening to lectures about coral reefs in the middle of the ocean, conducting interviews in local villages, collecting my own sea life diversity data while snorkeling in Africa, and learning radio telemetry by physically tracking lions with my professor. Another favorite part was the people I met, both the program staff and fellow students, many of whom I would have never crossed paths with otherwise.

If you could go on any USAC program, what would it be and why?

If I could go on any USAC program I would choose the Gold Coast, Australia program. I visited my cousin in Australia once he completed his study abroad program there and it was beautiful. Australia offers a little bit of everything, and I know I would love spending a semester there.

What is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?

Mary Clingerman on a safari in Africa with a lion in the background. I’ve loved every country I’ve traveled to, but Tanzania holds a very special place in my heart. The wildness of the landscape and the authenticity of the people immediately made me feel like I belonged.

My six weeks there were filled with some of the happiest moments of my life, from viewing wildlife on game drives and exploring the local village to learning Swahili from staff members each morning.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Mary Clingerman playing ultimate frisbee. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active by playing ultimate frisbee, climbing at BaseCamp, and running. I also enjoy journaling, reading, scrapbooking, and other paper crafts.

What’s on your bucket list?

Mary Clingerman I would love to visit all seven wonders of the world! I’m currently at two out of seven and counting.

What is a favorite food that you have tried while abroad?

My favorite food I tried abroad was maandazi, a fried bread similar to a beignet. It became my favorite after the very first bite.