UGA - SPIA - GLOBIS: Stellenbosch Study Abroad Program Maymester : Testimonials (Stellenbosch)
The following program testimonial responses have been selected for publication by UGA StudyAway
Final Reflection Questions
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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Both professors were wonderful! They were both well informed and passionate on the subject they were teaching. Everything from food, classes and excursions- it was all very well planned and put together.
— Minal Bhatia, Maymester 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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Learning about the development of South Africa was incredible. I learned so much about apartheid and development by working with the children in Kayamandi and through my classes.
— Raleigh Conerly, Maymester 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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I learned and gained so much from my experiences in Stellenbosch and Kayamandi. The most important lessons in my opinion were learned in Kayamandi through the kids. By helping the after school program I learned that you can't change yourself or your outlook unless you put yourself in uncomfortable situations. I had never been in the middle of such poverty and it taught me that poverty doesn't mean unhappy or defeated. Those kids showed me what it means to be truly happy without depending on material things.
— Haley Folmar, Maymester 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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The most significant take-way from my experience is how connected the world is. Everything we do, everything we say has the possibility to make an impact half way across the world. It is so important to experience a different culture and engulf to community around you.
— Sarah Henning, Maymester 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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The classes taught you so much about what you were observing, but working with the students in Kayamandi put it all in perspective. Being able to see that there were more similarities than differences between myself and these students made me realize that we don't live in different worlds. People need to experience other cultures to realize the impact of their own and be able to realize that we are still all part of the human race. So, a major take-away was the realization of all these similarities I shared with these students in Kayamandi, but also, how different our needs are. And obviously, another major take-away was also all the memories I have about my adventures!
— Jordan Shoemaker, Maymester 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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I've never had a trip as meaningful to me as the Stellenbosch study abroad trip. Through this program I was able to truly experience South Africa from multiple points of view, whether we were in high end vineyards or working in a township. These varying perspectives gave me an intimate glimpse of the city that I would not have obtained without professors and group full of like-minded passionate students to take this adventure with!
— Grace Walker, Maymester 2016 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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The visits to this township provided me with an understanding of life for the amaXhosa that I could have gotten from nowhere else. Working with those children allowed me to form memorable bonds with some that will hopefully impact them for the remainder of their schooling, and possibly even longer. I truly appreciate how much I could connect with everyone simply on the basis of humanity. Ubuntu was an enlightening philosophy, and it showed the important of our networks, and the relationships we make. This experience also helped me recognize and embrace differences. I was surprised to see such stark contrast between demographic groups in terms of language, culture, living conditions, and employment. Although the US is still struggling with effects from slavery and Jim Crow laws, I did not expect inequalities to be as evident in South Africa as they were. I now have a better understanding of the injustices stemming from a legacy of discriminatory polices.
— Solomon Greene, Maymester 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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the time spent with students, teachers and citizens of stellenbosch and kayamandi.
— Molly Retter, Maymester 2017 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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The "on the ground" political development experience and the eye witnessing of continuing racial divides today in South Africa shifted my perspective on people, humanity and life itself. The most significant take-aways were the experiences that enhanced my knowledge on the topics we were learning in class like meeting H.F. Verwoerd's grandson and discussing his approach to life.
— Mary Coffee, Maymester 2018 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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I got to learn a lot about myself and how my perceptions of development could be improved. I got to learn from the kids at Kayamandi when I thought going in that I would be "teaching" them. There's a to of things that I appreciate now that I'm back in America that I did not before going to South Africa.
— Taylor Ogden, Maymester 2018 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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It absolutely changed how I viewed Africa and reaffirmed my thoughts on at the same time. the kids, seeing modern African cities, and looking at history in the making helped tune my ideas and see Africa differently. But also the Safaris, Victoria falls, and the culture reaffirmed my idea that Africa is magnificent.
— Matthew Sartor, Maymester 2018 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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The most significant aspect of this trip was being able to see what you're learning in class outside in the real world. I also loved that we had the service learning aspect where we could interact with the local people.
— Pilar Corso, Maymester 2019 |
What were the most significant take-aways from your experience?
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I enjoyed getting the opportunity to truly see the effects of Apartheid in South Africa through the townships that we did service learning in and the cities and sites that we visited. This horrific and impactful period of time in world politics should continue to be remembered and studied. Having professors that engaged our classes with real-world issues and discussions on the potential solutions and pitfalls to developmental success was an amazing opportunity as well. This trip left me with a wider world view as many trips do and the reminder of our human similarities with people half a world away from us. I also recognized, once again, my passion for working with children through the after-school programs that we volunteered at and getting to help and play with South African children or learners for three weeks was an incredible experience that I will not soon forget.
— Andrew Smith, Maymester 2019 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
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There will be plenty of evenings when you're tired and unwilling to go on a hike or to the city with fellow students- don't let the tiredness hold you back! You won't EVER be back in that setting again so it is best to indulge in every moment possible. Be adventurous! Definitely do something out of your comfort zone whether it's trying a new local food or going shark cage diving- this is the prime time to experience anything and everything.
— Minal Bhatia, Maymester 2016 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
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DO IT! I was unsure about applying but I am so thankful that I did, this program is life changing!
— Raleigh Conerly, Maymester 2016 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
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Leave your expectations at home, open your heart to be pushed outside your comfort zone, and accept your limitations.
— Sarah Henning, Maymester 2016 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
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Just do it! It was my first time out of the country and it was not too shocking, but still different enough for me to experience a different culture. The professors are supportive and just an absolute blast to travel with. The information learned in class is immediately applicable. The pictures and memories you will get will be unbelievable. I only have great things to say...stop just considering and sign up!
— Jordan Shoemaker, Maymester 2016 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
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Use every minute you have to explore! You learn more from the real life experiences and interactions with people, so be present and observe. This program teaches you so much out of the classroom.
— Mary Coffee, Maymester 2018 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
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To students who are considering this program: do not miss out on a once in a lifetime opportunity. This program is by far one of the most life-changing experiences that UGA students have a chance to participate in. The Stellenbosch program is different from many of the study away programs, the month will fly by, and by the time you are getting ready to leave, South Africa will hold a place in your heart.
— Summer Roberson, Maymester 2019 |
What are your words of advice to students considering this program?
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In terms of more general suggestions about this program, I must first highly recommend the program in the first place. The courses are challenging and engaging, but they don't overwhelm in the short time of instruction. I strongly recommend actually doing the assigned readings before classes. For both courses, the final exam was almost entirely comprised from these readings rather than lecture content. Also, on any weekend trips and tours you get to take with the professors, go talk to them about the topics you're learning in class. Drs. Finlay and Crepaz are both incredibly engaging in class, but they're also very interested in these topics. They love these extra side conversations. Think of it like office hours, just on a bus! Outside of class, make sure to take full advantage of your free days. Ask to use the Stellenbosch University vans to head into Cape Town for the day. My absolute favorite part of the trip was a sunrise hike up Lion's Head, a mountain on the outskirts of the city, where I got to watch the city shift from night to morning. Grab some classmates and go on those adventures! One more small note: you will spend a lot on food. Be prepared. Meals are between $5-10, but you will not have a full kitchen in your villas, so this is your only option, and it adds up fast. Breakfast is free every day, but you have to plan for the rest. — Meredith Van De Velde, Maymester 2019 |
How did the experience impact you and your future educational/career/personal goals?
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This has impacted me because it's taught me that it's always important to keep your own beliefs and expectations in check. Just because someone may have a life that's different than yours does not mean that they "need" you and your resources. I want to use this experience as a way for me to work towards a future that help everyone reach their full potential even though it may not be in a way I see needed initially.
— Taylor Ogden, Maymester 2018 |