I questioned if I wanted to study abroad for a long time. I have never left the country until now, so I was worried about taking such a big jump. I chose to apply to the South Africa trip because Cape Town has always been on my bucket list. I had seen pictures of the beautiful city right on the ocean when I was younger and always knew I would find my way there. Cape Town is incredibly beautiful and is surprisingly westernized. The people here are also very kind, I believe my whole group felt a bit of worry in regards to not being treated kindly by the locals but they have been so welcoming to us. We have seen all the different parts of the city. From the high-rise downtown buildings to the low-income townships, the citizens of South Africa radiate optimism. Going forward, I hope to learn more about the South African perspective of business and how they are working to combat the wrongs and the brokenness of their country?s past. I also look forward to being able to take in more of the beautiful sites and culture. My favorite part of the trip so far has been our trip to Aquila Private Game Reserve. At Aquila, we learned about their sustainable business practices, as well as their Rhino conservation acts. I am a huge animal person, so it was very special for me to see. My new friends and I have mentioned that every day feels like the best day ever, and that they continue to beat the prior day. This has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Choosing South Africa was an easy decision for me, but I urge anyone who is interested in studying abroad to strongly consider South Africa. This country is like no other.
