Quietly, life in Monrovia has become a routine as a week has come and gone. The team unconsciously acquired the customs and habits in Liberia, from their food to their signature handshake.

Yesterday, a group of twelve MBA and Nursing doctorate students landed in Monrovia, Liberia to work on a project with the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, where my team’s goal is to create a short- and long-term strategic plan for the hospital that allows them to deliver more health care services to more Liberians.

I am in my final semester in the Evening MBA program and wanted to always take a class on Emerging Economies with Prof. Lyles, which I always thought would be a great experience to have and learn more about management consulting in developing countries.

Today was our first up-close look at the JFK Medical Center (JFKMC). We received a tour of the facilities from two of the head administrators (Mona and Dr. McDonald). Both Mona and Dr. McDonald continued to be gracious and welcoming – something that our group has experienced throughout our brief stay in Liberia.

Early and often in my Indiana University Kelley School of Business Evening MBA courses, I heard of the opportunity to take a class that included a trip abroad.

The start of the new year and the new semester is a good time to take stock of what you have and consider what something different would be like. It’s especially true this year, having just returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic (DR).