Malawi is a small country in Sub-Sahara Africa bordering one of Africa’s Great Lakes, Lake Malawi or Lake Nyasa. Malawi has a population of around 17 million with over 90% as subsistence farmers. Approximately 17% of children under 18, are either orphans or considered vulnerable due to the HIV epidemic and other challenges including malnutrition and stunting. While the lake is the primary source of protein for many, inland populations do not have the same access to seafood. In addition, one of the primarily challenges for village communities is seasonal hunger due to not having access to water during the dry season. In 2015 I traveled to Malawi as a Fulbright student to study ways of improving rural freshwater fish farming using integrated farming techniques (poultry and fish farming). Here I will discuss both the science opportunities to improve food security in this region along with the social aspects I learned as a US student conducting research and development work in a completely different culture. My long term goals are to continue to build research capacity and international exchange opportunities for both Americans and Malawians.