Stephanie De La Melena | UCB Study Abroad

"I think the most memorable aspect of being abroad was being able to befriend South Africans. When you meet people that have grown up in South Africa, they are willing to show you around and I really enjoyed my time studying and exploring Cape Town with them."

What led you to study abroad? Why did you choose your country/program?

I chose South Africa to study abroad in because during my time in elementary school, middle school, and high school, I never learned about the country of Africa. We would speak about it every now and again but it was such a mysterious place to me. South Africa interested me because it was one of two countries that UCEAP offered in souther Africa, and I chose to go here because it was closer to the coast. Not that Cape Town represents the country of Africa, but it does give some sneak peaks of what the rest of South Africa is like. Meeting people from all over Africa in Cape Town made the city so unique.

What was the most interesting cultural experience you had abroad?

I think visiting the townships was the most interesting cultural experience I had. When you land in Cape Town, you get a feel of wealth, gorgeous city and happy people. What people don't usually think about is the rich history that South Africa has undergone throughout the past 20 years, and it is really evident when you visit the outskirts of the city.

What was the biggest challenge/concern of your study abroad experience? How did you respond?

I think my biggest challenge was feeling accepted in the Cape Town--nian community. Because everyone already had a group of friends, it was hard to make South African friends in the beginning. Also, transportation was a little complicated in the beginning. I sometimes felt stressed over the fact that I wasn't busy enough.

Describe a typical day for you abroad.

I would wake up at around 7:15am, make a tea and walk over to my 8am. Then I would walk out with a friend and get some coffee and muffins and study for an hour before my following class. Then I would get lunch with UCEAP students and go to class with them. After that, I would go home and find something to do with my housemates like go out to eat, go into town, or cook with them. I usually ended my weeknights finishing some homework.

What coursework did you take while abroad? How did courses abroad compare with Berkeley classes?

I took Medical Anthropology, History of South Africa, and Ecology and Evolution. I believe the coursework was just as much as Berkeley. Specifically for my Ecology class, there were more exams, more class time, more field-trips, and more in-depth exams. The classroom setting was also much smaller than in Berkeley so I enjoyed that.

What was the most memorable/meaningful aspect of your time abroad?

I think the most memorable aspect of being abroad was being able to befriend South Africans. When you meet people that have grown up in South Africa, they are willing to show you around and I really enjoyed my time studying and exploring Cape Town with them.

What impact did studying abroad have on you personally?

I believe studying abroad not only opened up my perspective of the African countries but also inspired an interest in wanting to explore more cultures and places that I've never heard of.

What would you recommend to students considering studying abroad, especially to your country or program?

I would recommend students to study abroad during their undergraduate year! ESPECIALLY in Cape Town.