My study abroad experience in Africa was truly enlightening, filled with lessons about business, culture, and people. From my time there, I was able to see how differently people interact with each other compared to the U.S. From waiters to tour guides to locals, everyone was so focused on making us feel welcomed and cared for. This hospitality that I received was refreshing and caused me to rethink my daily interactions at home, where people seem more focused on their tasks than engaging and connecting with people.
Experiencing life in a third-world country was both challenging and eye-opening. I returned home with a deep appreciation and gratitude for the daily luxuries I often take for granted, like clean water, electricity, and reliable Wi-Fi. Living without these luxuries for a couple weeks shifted my perspective, encouraging me to be more grateful for what I have. While I cherished my time in Africa—the animals, excursions, and interactions—it was comforting to return to the familiar comforts at home.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was exploring the different landscapes and cities across Southern Africa—from the bustling and tourist-friendly Cape Town to the rural and serene areas of Eswatini and Zambia. It was fascinating to see these different areas of the continent from the coastal beaches to the safari parks.
Business interactions in Africa were also interesting. We shopped at local cash-only markets as well as more upscale shops and malls, and it was interesting to see how even rural businesses had modern credit card readers. Most places we visited also accepted multiple currencies, which was incredibly convenient as a tourist traveling through four different countries who each have four different primary currencies. This sparked a curiosity about how these businesses manage and account for the different currencies they accept.
Another memorable aspect of the trip was learning about the safari industry and animal conservation. Our guides and different people we met were passionate about their work with animals, which resonated with my own passion for animals. Their dedication and excitement to pursue their dreams was inspiring to me to pursue my own passions wholeheartedly.
Africa is a beautiful place with equally beautiful people and culture. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and memories made during my time there. The friendships created and the lessons learned will stick with me forever, and I will always treasure my time in Southern Africa.
