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Study abroad: South Africa

Jessica Tai (School of Education and Social Policy) studied South African society and politics after apartheid at the School for International Training in Durban.

Why did you choose this particular program?

The program is unlike others in that there is much more experiential. You don't stay in a dorm. You actually have a home stay. I stayed with a rural family for three weeks, then I stayed five weeks with an urban family. You get a range of experiences.

We also had lectures from politicians, giving views of the government, health officials giving their view. It's not just one person in academia giving you their perspective.

Did you learn a lot about South Africa?

I was already familiar with it, but I wanted to go so I could see what I had studied. A lot of the images you see in the media are overdone. You expect Africa to be consumed by the AIDS virus, violence, have no running water. When I got to the airport, the first thing I saw was a Kinko's. It's not a third world country. It's more developed than a lot of people think.

Was language an issue?

Not really. There are 11 official languages, but English is everywhere. You hear the native languages more in the rural areas than the urban areas, especially with young children who've grown up with only their native language.

What was the biggest surprise about your time there?

I don't think I could have imagined how much I changed. I cut off all my hair. I went hiking a lot. I got close to a lot of people on my trip. We were just all together. Intellectually, I'm able to see a different perspective than I used to. More global.

Was it difficult to come back and integrate back into Northwestern?

It was difficult because I came back in the winter, and I had changed a lot of my values. I was more independent and confident. I don't think people will necessarily feel a humongous change when they come back. It won't be that apparent on your face or in your walk, but you'll notice the changes without realizing it at first. Like, maybe it comes out in class or you seem more confident in the way you interact with people or in the interests you decided to pursue.

Any advice for students who are considering going overseas?

If anyone is remotely interested in going, they should definitely investigate the possibilities. Especially since this is the time when you have no ties, no financial responsibilities. This is the time to take advantage of the opportunity.

Studying Abroad

Jessica in front of the Study Abroad office

Jessica in front of the Study Abroad office