Falling in love with Cape Town, South Africa Past Review

Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life; the entire experience as a whole taught me some many things about not just my host country but about myself as well. I studied abroad at the University of the Western Cape, in Cape Town, South Africa. I traveled through a program called IES and the entire experience was truly life changing to say the least. Upon arrival, I immediately fell in love with the rich South African culture, friendly natives, and abundance of things to do. My program gave us the freedom and opportunities to travel and explore the country to get a better understanding and general knowledge of where we will be living for the next six months. I got the chance to visit natural canyons and caves, go to a wildlife reserve, learn things at museums, and even walk and touch wild lions. Also, South Africa offers an amazing backdrop of mountains and valleys that instantly left me breathless and amazed. The scenery and nature was one of my favorite aspects. This trip allowed my to see another part of the world, not only for it’s beauty but also for it’s people. I got the chance to learn and converse with individuals from all around the world; being from New York I would not have the chance to immerse myself in another culture and look at the world through a different lens. I am so grateful that my study abroad experience allowed me to open myself up and let this new experience impact and shape me. I tried to come to South Africa as a blank slate, absorbing new experiences like a sponge. I am changed for the better because of this trip; I am more well rounded, I understand the world better, and I see that everyone, regardless our locations, go through the same “every day” things, I feel that it is important for young people to study abroad and welcome this change because even though being in a completely new environment can be scary, it will all be worth it in the end.