My heart filled with excitement after learning I would be able to participate in the South Africa Study Abroad program and attending Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). I have desired to go to Africa the so called “Mother Land” for many years. I knew very little about South Africa, my idea of this country was a beautiful array of black people and exotic animals. I knew there was economic problems, as with any other country, but I had no idea how much of a problem the people of South Africa actually endured.

This trip was extremely humbling but yet enlightening. I felt a bit of despair after learning the struggle the people of South Africa have experienced and are still experiencing.

Flying into Port Elizabeth the views from the sky were spectacular. On the drive to the accommodations I was in awe with the beautiful scenic views of the mountains and crystal blue ocean with the most amazing waves crashing against huge rocks. Myself along with five other students spent an amazing 21 days in South Africa immersing ourselves into the South African culture past and present. There were multiple informative lectures given by NMMU professors. We enjoyed learning about the history of South Africa, the inixhosa culture, the social and political economy, and we also enjoyed multiple excursions to various governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, businesses, game parks and more.

As we roamed the NMMU campus, we learned the campus actually sits in the middle of a wildlife preservation and they have monkeys invading the campus trying to get a quick lunch from some unwilling person. We spotted zebras, springboks, kudu and monkeys while on campus. NMMU is an innovative university known for their renewable energy research, IT achievements, and the first to house a high-resolution transmission electron microscope center. The interaction with the NMMU students was one of the highlights of the trip, being able to relate to them on a personal level was a wonderful feeling. I definitely made some lifelong friends.

This South Africa Study Abroad program was simply amazing, from the lectures on the history, the culture, the socio-economic challenges, the human rights and the current economic status of South Africa, to the visits to local businesses including a functioning farm and various organizations. The Safaris lived up to my expectations, seeing elephants, lions, buffalos, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and much more out in their own inhabitant was one of the most amazing things ever.

To learn more about SPC Study Abroad programs click here.