A multi-cultural study of well-being and happiness

Serena Chapman Start Date: Jun 5, 2014 - End Date: Oct 2, 2014
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Walvis Bay, Namibia
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

My Travel Story

by: Serena Chapman Start Date: Jun 5, 2014 - End Date: Oct 2, 2014
My name is Serena, and I have a passion for the emerging science of positive psychology, a new field of psychology that studies human strengths, positive emotions, engagement, and meaning, with the goal of improving the well-being a people and to increase human flourishing. I have learned a great deal in the classroom and from my personal experience, however what has inspired me the most is my study abroad, where I have seen how different cultures promote flourishing and increase well-being in different ways. I have been fortunate enough to travel to the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Mexico and Peru through my university studying childhood disorders from a multi-cultural perspective. What surprised me the most and ignited my curiosity while visiting these impoverished countries was how resilience and happiness was still found in the poorest of places. My experience thus far with travel has only fueled my desire to learn more about human flourishing from people all around the world, and to contribute to the science of positive psychology.

The trip I am about to embark on is through Peaceboat, an NGO affiliate with the United Nations, with the goal of creating a culture of peace around the world. My trip will begin in Cape Town, South Africa and by boat, we will travel to Walvis Bay, Namibia, to then cross the Atlantic Ocean to arrive in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. I hope to gain knowledge and insight regarding cultural approaches towards achieving happiness in each of the countries I will visit to add to my growing understanding of the human race, and furthermore, how I can best contribute and encourage human flourishing myself. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me, and I humbled by the possibility, and grateful for donations towards helping me become a student of the world. I promise I will make the most of this experience and take all that I learned and give it back to others. Africa and Brazil here I come!
  • Cape Town, South Africa
  • Walvis Bay, Namibia
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil