INTERVIEWER: Tell us a little about yourself.

MARISOL VIDAL: A little bit about me – fun fact is that I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. I came to the United States to go to school. I went to New York and did not have a school acceptance. I was looking to further my education with a master’s degree. I ended up doing a program in International Business. Then a company that bought a cement company in the Dominican Republic hired me. The company then paid for my MBA at the University of Quebec in Canada. After completing the program, I went to New York and started working for a bank. I then got married and had children and made the move to Utah. I currently work for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The reason I give you all this background is my career and education has been in business and now I work for a non-profit. I oversee the distribution stores in Latin America. I have gone back to school because I would like to switch to a humanitarian career. What I have in mind is finding a way to help with the displacement crisis that is currently happening in the world.

INTERVIEWER: What made you decide to register for the ENTP 5800/6800 course that travels to Ghana?

MV: I took this class because it talks about poverty alleviation which is one of the reasons people leave their native country and has led to the displacement crisis.

INTERVIEWER: Any other reason for taking the course?

MV: I am in the Masters of International Affairs and Global Enterprise (MIAGE) program and another student took the course and told me about it upon her return from the trip. I guess that was a confirmation that this is going to be a good class.

INTERVIEWER: Tell us a little about the prep work you did before heading to Ghana for the business consultation portion of the course.

MV: We completed a business consultation book before traveling. What helped me the most was an article, Consultation Is More Than Giving Advice.  That was a summary to keep in mind when you are trying to help someone. I have received a business consultation, but I had never given a business consultation. I had never had that experience. The article helped me the most by giving me specific points to keep in mind when helping someone in their business.

INTERVIEWER: What was the most rewarding portion of the course and travel?

MV: The people – just to get to connect to people at all levels – at the college, the clients, etc. getting to know the country through the people. To me, that was the most rewarding.

The group we went with was very diverse in so many ways and at the same time very open-minded and inclusive. I noticed that because I intersect so many minorities, so I think inclusion is important. It did not feel like an interference but something very positive. Everything brought to the group was appreciated. It was a great group.

I also want to talk about the high level of service at the campus in Ghana – it was amazing. Everything was perfectly done. To me, it was so impressive. Their level of kindness and professionalism was great.

INTERVIEWER: Why do you think other students should take part in this course or other courses that have student experiences in West Africa?

MV: In general students should look for these kind of opportunities no matter what kind of career they are looking at. It was good for business, and this was phenomenal for someone in business. And understand what the world has out there. It is not just about what we have in front of our eyes. IN terms of cultural exposure. The trip, service, organization, class, and Professor Alder are all great. Professor Alder is very humble in the way he operates the class and is open to what is brought to the table. This opens opportunities to new learning for students and Professor Alder.

The course is good; it is good for any career because of the cultural experience.

And the way the class was led by Professor Alder. That is why I think people should take the course. It gives opportunities to do more profound thinking of what you can get out of the course.

Adding on the organization and administration of the whole program is flawless. Students need to know that this portion is flawless.

INTERVIEWER: Most fun/exciting highlight of the trip?

MV: I go back to the people. A new country for me. Every time I go to places I realize how similar humans are. How we have the same needs and dreams. Connecting with people is the highlight of my experience.

INTERVIEWER: Any final thoughts?

MV: This is a great program.