A five-hour flight is normal for me. After deciding to attend school on the West Coast, I knew that I would become a student jet setter going back and forth from Virginia to California several times each year.
Yet, now I am faced with a 17-hour flight that will be taking me to the southern coast of Africa, a place I never thought I would end up spending four months of my college career. I'm leaving today, and aside from being anxious about entertaining myself for 17 hours while in an airplane, I'm nervous about the entire study abroad experience. I will be traveling alone to a foreign continent and country only to be placed on a university campus where I don't know anyone, don't know if I will be living in a house or a dorm and don't know how to find the nearest coffee shop.
It's been a long winter break awaiting my departure today, which has felt like an emotional roller-coaster. I'm sad to miss my second semester of junior year at USC, working at the campus newspaper, spending time with my great friends and boyfriend, and the graduation of several close friends. When I return to USC in the fall, friends will be in new places and I will have changed from my experiences while abroad.
However, my experiences will be irreplaceable. Despite my angst and sadness, I am excited for this opportunity to spend four months in the amazing country of South Africa. I have no idea what to expect, but that is the exciting part. I will have the opportunity to study in a growing country that has such an interesting and recent history. I will be able to explore South African terrain, go to beautiful beaches and see African penguins. I will be able to volunteer in the townships and mentor local kids. I will be able to hike gorgeous mountains. I will be able to take beautiful photographs and maybe even make a calendar when I return (my dad said Barnes and Noble does not sell a single South Africa calendar).
Once I arrive in Cape Town tomorrow, I will participate in orientation for my program, CIEE, along with about 160 other American students. Immediately after CIEE orientation, I will attend an orientation hosted by the University of Cape Town. Then, I will have one full, free week before classes begin. My primary goal while studying abroad will be to learn as much as possible about South Africa, in addition to learning about myself. I hope to come back to the U.S. with something to share with family, friends and whoever I meet.
I have been told that Internet in South Africa is not as fast or wide-spread as in the U.S., but I will try my best to keep this blog updated as often as I have time. Stay tuned for details about my adventures abroad...
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