REFLECTIONS FROM THE 2020 SOUTH AFRICA PROGRAM GROUP
My experience in the beautiful Cape Town, was ever changing and something that I could never learn in a classroom. It is difficult as I sit here and reflect back on those amazing fourteen days. We did so many excursions so it is challenging to pick one over the other but the most memorable one for me would be the light house. During the Peninsular Tour, we got to climb up to the lighthouse and take in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean meeting. Thus far into the trip, that was the most beautiful sight I have ever laid my eyes on. The water was so blue and the sound of the waves splashing on the side was just so peaceful. Besides the excursions, my most heart-breaking and heart-warming experience was when we went to Building Bridges - an after school program in Bellville and heard stories from the founders and how they help these young future generation of students in townships to read, learn math, practice moral skills, and help them see a better future not only for their own well-being but also for the future of the community as a whole. I learned to actually be grateful and thankful for my education but also my living situation. Looking at how some of those children live and only look forward to an after school program in order to experience childhood shows emphasizes the challenges in their living situation and how welcoming the founders at Building Bridges are for wanting to help these younger generation. This trip also clarified what I want to do with my career after attending grad school. I grew so much because of the real life connections I made and the lessons I learned in South Africa.
The Challenge
One challenge I overcame was reflecting on where I am in life and where these kids, adults are in Cape Town. I realized I'm much more privileged and better off than most of them but my gratitude doesn't compare to how grateful and joyful these beautiful people are. They may not have nearly as much as I do but they make it work and they are damn sure proud of it. I learned that I can express and show the same graciousness and joy without feeling the need to always want something in return. I realized how spoiled we are here in the United States. I realized that as a country we have more than many others do. They have people living in shacks and surviving. How? I don't know but what I do know is that wherever I am in life, I have more than enough and should never feel sorry for myself when tough times happen because others out there have it just as bad or worse.
What I learn about myself
Like I stated before, I believe I have found my purpose and my future career. After helping such an amazing organization - Building Bridges, I want to further my career since others can’t and be proud to do so. I will also use my education to help guide those who need it. I want to help others realize their purpose and show them they have value no matter where they come from. I plan do this by volunteering at a non-profit that not only helps children but adults find themselves. I want to give back to my community then eventually venture out to help those who need it elsewhere globally.
Advice for future participants
The advice I would love to give to future participants is be open minded and don't think everything is about you and where you come from. Yes be considerate of others but try to put yourself in their shoes. Image your life in Cape Town and how you plan to survive on the trip. That sounds horrible but like I said before, we have everything we need at the tip of our fingers in the United States but there are people in other countries who do not. Also, you will not return as the same person you were when you left, well I know I wasn't. This trip took a huge toll on my view on life and how I plan my future. Learn to be grateful and best believe that jet lag is a serious thing.
Why I recommend this program
I would highly recommend this program to WT students. One reason is, you don't know what you are in-store for. Now, if you think this is a trip for vacation then please don't waste your time and those of others by going because while it is a trip for fun it is also a trip to learn and understand the variety of value in a different country other than your own. You must know that the lessons learned on this program isn't stuff you can just learn in a classroom during a lecture. They are hands-on and real life experiences you actually encounter face to face. This isn't social media where you look something up and only view the pretty parts, you view the beauty of a different culture and the real life people are living and hardships they go through daily. It is something you CANNOT prepare for but one journey you definitely don't want to miss out on.
Alex Kypfer I absolutely loved my Cape Town trip, fortunately for me it was the second time I was able to go back. I really can't get enough of that place and its not just about all the tourist attractions. I generally just enjoy being in Cape Town, whether it is exploring new restaurants or hanging out with some of the locals that have turned into my friends from Ikhaya le Langa, Cape Town is a great place to be. This time was a little be different for me however, since I had already been once I was able to enjoy everything a little more the second time around. I wasn't as worried about trying to take everything in, while learning about the groups we were working with and then doing the work at the same time. It was really nice for me to be able to slow down this time and enjoy everything.
The Challenge
I would say the biggest challenge was figuring out how to coexist with the tourism monitors in the township. I should say that it wasn't particularly hard, all of those people are wonderful and I had a great time in Langa, but the hard part was getting used to how they went about things. We grew up very differently and I had to make sure to find similarities in each of our cultures to be able to find a good connection. In this case the easiest way was to talk about sports and particularly soccer as it is huge in Cape Town and South Africa as a whole. Once I was able to figure that out it made things a lot easier to relate and form a good personal relationship.
What I learn about myself
I would say that I learned that while I can be a great communicator and a good people person, I'm still learning to know when I need to hold me tongue sometimes. I have found that I can still frustrate people by saying too much or saying the wrong thing in conversation or on a general topic and I need to continue to improve and recognize when is a good or a bad time. This will definitely help me build stronger relationships in the future.
Advice for future participants
The advice I would give would be to just give it everything you got. Experience everything, try new things even if you don't like them. That's the only way that you'll get to enjoy the experience and you can look back and say, wow I really just did all that and stepped outside of my comfort zone a little bit. You will thank yourself afterwards and find it a little easier to step out of your comfort zone in the future.
Why I recommend this program
I would 100% recommend this program to future students. The fact that I wanted to go back on the trip a second time should be enough for you to want to go. But if its not, Cape Town is an amazing place from a tourist aspect, some of the best scenery to go with great food and great people. Outside of that, the work that we do is so uplifting. You can actually see the change that you are going to be making and it feels great to be able to make the lives of the people that you are helping become better. And if that's not enough to make you want to go, then I don't know that to tell you!
While in Cape Town, South Africa, my life changed. I experienced new things that will forever change my perspective on life. When we finally landed on the group after a long flight, I was surprised and immediately blown away by this sprawling metropolis at the edge of the world. Cape Town's beauty spreads out all along a wild and beautiful coastline with sandy white beaches with the iconic Table Mountain towering above you in the background along with colorful buildings and murals. It was amazing driving along the base of Table Mountain being able to see the oceanfront on one side and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the other.
The Cape of Good Hope was absolutely stunning, I loved being able to stand on the rocks watching the waves crash and breathe in the salty air looking into a never-ending view of the ocean. One of my favorite parts of the trip was standing on top of Table Mountain watching the clouds sweep over the mountain like a tablecloth with the sunset in the background perfecting the image, it was the most amazing view I have ever laid my eyes on. Along with the amazing views, the college kids that were strangers to me at the beginning of the trip became friends that I will cherish forever by the end of the trip. They taught me many lessons and took me on wild adventures that have become my favorite memories.
What I learn about myself
One challenge I overcame on this trip was having to learn that no matter how hard a situation you're going through is, you can always get through it. During the trip, I was dealing with a knee problem that made it difficult to do some activities; however, that didn't stop me from doing them. While helping with the programs in the townships, I learned something about myself and my life. I learned that I need to be happier in my life because I saw the people who had almost nothing smiling constantly. They always were enjoying themselves and occupying their time of the day with friends, family, and sports. The people of the townships were some of the nicest and most positive people I have met, without knowing they taught me that I need to appreciate life way more than I do.
Advice for future participants
Some advice I have for the future people that will participate in this program is just to have an open mind to learning new things. I would highly recommend this program to WT students because it truly is life-changing. I didn't want to leave so soon. This trip to Cape Town is something I wish I could do every year, I would never get tired of this program. Overall, this trip was the best experience of my life, I wish I could do it all over again.
I had visited Cape Town prior, one of many on the inaugural trip back in March 2018. Although I saw many of the same sites, partook in many of the same excursions, dined on the familiar cuisine, it was much a Groundhog Day experience; many of the same motions but lived and felt in a different way than before. I dreaded the plane rides, to and from. I knew how grueling and tiring they could be, but I also knew what lay ahead: the adventure, the escape, the sacrifice, the comradery. And of course, on my way back: my family, my friends, my paycheck, my own bed. Regardless, I thought I knew what to expect on this journey, at least a shell of an idea, and for the most part I was right. The last waning hours of 2019 were spent shuffling through customs, gathering luggage at the belt, and loading our individual clam shelled-lives into a trailer hooked onto our buses that would become our transportation for the next two weeks. Midnight struck while standing outside the airport. Fireworks lit up the sky, a kaleidoscope of colored, blazing powder booming us into the year of perfect vision. We also claimed unanimously – and without opposition - that the thunderous, colorized celebration was for us. Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa, our home for the next fourteen days.
Day 1 we spent taking a tour of the area – Rondebosch – one of the southern suburbs of the great cape city. Our guest house, Little Scotia, resided just off the main street. A quick walk down the drive and we had shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and other needs and wants at our disposal. Within operating hours of course, an issue we ran into given our conditioned Americanized 24-hour way of life. We also met with the two organizations we would be helping, that of Building Bridges and Langa. We were given brief tours of the areas, a mission statement for each group, and a pamphlet-style goal-orientated speech for our projects. Essentially, we were meeting, greeting, and getting familiar with who we would be helping, why they needed our assistance, and ultimately why we were here. We connected right away and were eager to dig in and make it happen. But first, let’s see some sights.
For the next handful of days, we spent hitting the major photo-op, natural and human-made wonders of the area. A bus and accompanying boat tour told us the history as well as gave us the opportunity to see the development thereof; from the Dutch to the British to the effects of apartheid. On the safari, we saw the Big 5, Africa’s most difficult animals to hunt on foot (no animals were harmed in the journey): lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceros. Cape of Good Hope came next, a wonderful sight to behold, although commonly misconstrued as Africa’s southern-most tip. Cape Point came next, a captivating view atop a defunct lighthouse, that’s if your heart and knees don’t give out climbing up there. Next, Boulder Bay, with the infamous feathered-tuxedo wearing flightless cuties of the seas: penguins. We also experience a soccer match inside the World Cup stadium in Cape Town, as well as the magnificent and seemingly endless botanical gardens of Kirstenbosch, nestled at the foot of Table Mountain.
Then we had a change of emotional pace, exchanging beauty for sordid as we visited Robben Island, an inoperative off-the-coast prison which held countless political prisoners including Nelson Mandela. Although heavy, the place still stands as one of historical significance. Yet we did not remain sullen, as we moved along to Table Mountain, one of the natural seven wonders of the world. As if Mother Nature had barbered one of her mountainous sons a flat top, it is hard to miss this earthy icon. We wondered all atop that Table, going near and fear, roaming in the clouds which scrapped the rocky top. Later, we met at the visitor center, soaking in the warming city lights below, and embracing the celestial beauty of the sun falling into the arms of the ocean.
For the next week, we split our group into two, one headed to Langa, the other to Building Bridges. I cannot speak for Langa, as I went with the latter group. Part of our “fee” to participate and get to Cape Town was to haul some children’s books/school supplies in our luggage from the States. Over a thousand books and hundreds of dollars of supplies latter, we had stocked Building Bridges with some amazing kick-start product for the organization. WT Professor of Forensics Connie McKee had also brought lesson building supplies. We also helped another study abroad group paint murals on the outside for the Building Bridges building; the orgs logo street side and a world map on the outside. Here we spent a few days, working under the sun, painting, laughing, playing ball with some of the local school children.
We took a break that following weekend, having an at-home (fancy schmancy hotel) workday as well as trips to the market and water front for shopping, eating, and comradery. That Saturday also happened to be my birthday. I say this because, although I’ve had excellent birthdays before, this was wholly unique. First off, I was in a different country. Second, I spent it with my friends. I say friends because when you study abroad with people, especially for two weeks, the term strangers and acquaintances get tossed out of the tiny airplane window quickly. Third, the whole group decided to join me for my dinner despite work needing done. And fourth, I received the most awesome birthday-song performance ever. We were eating at a restaurant outside on the waterfront (most of the restaurants there have more outdoor seating than indoor). A local music group had been performing around there. Thanks to the effort of some of the students, that group stopped by and sang the traditional American Happy Birthday, but they also put on an African-style birthday jam. I don’t know if that is part of their tradition/culture or what. What I do know is that I had I teared up; so damn powerful. One of the greatest moments of my life. Beach day came next. Water water, sandy sand, sunny sun – a great combination to help close out our last few days. We all enjoyed ourselves, tanning, toes making fists in the powdery beach face, the Indian Ocean cooling our skin. Cap it with fish and chips, and we had an excellent, relaxing day.
The next two days were spent presenting. Katy and Chase, two of the students, presented their work they had done for Langa. Impressed, Tony (the org leader) and the others asked us to come back to present to US Ambassadors (whom we had met a few days prior at the US Consulate). Again, the presentation went smoothed and definitely impressed. Great job, team! Flying back was rough. Not the flights themselves (although that is brutal), just knowing that at some point we would all have to say goodbye. We would all have to part ways. We would all have to get on with life. Then again, were we not living when there?
The challenge
The greatest challenge was achieving effective communication. By that, I mean finding a way for our organizations to effectively communicate with their communities, the city, and possibly the globe. Both orgs are rich in ideas but lack the technology and at times, resources, to make the ideas happen. And they desired to not be contained; they wanted the surrounding communities to know the value within and the effects embracing those values could mean for the surrounding areas. Language barrier wasn’t the issue, rather incorporating South Africa and even specific communal culture into effective, efficient, and constructive devices to send the correct messages outside the walls. For instance, Langa township showing why, how, and what value lives there while also dismantling the stereotype associated with townships.
What I learn about myself
I still learn from others. A difference exists: I can still learn from people here in the States, from colleagues to students to my children to my family to a stranger I chat with while in line at Walmart. Going abroad and immersing into a different culture is just as enriching, but on a separate level. Granted the surface level learning is there – culture, fashion, music, cuisine, traditions, and so on. What I am writing of, however, is deep, human nature and connection; that their character, cultivated from personal experience, local history, a unique way of life, and more holds much the same value and quality yet doesn’t at the same time. Regardless
Advice for future participants
Be open-minded and respectful. To quote Aladdin, it’s a “whole new world” with different values, traditions, and general ways of life. Culture shock is a thing but work your way out of that. We are all people, all humans who live, breathe, and feel. Be respectful of who they are, their culture, their history, yet don’t be afraid to make friends or engage in simple conversation.
Why I recommend this program
Global Media for Social Change is life-changing and rewarding. Certainly, for those who go on the trip, but I write for the lives we’ve touched and helped abroad. Think of it as a rock tossed into a pond. Not only do we effect the lives of the organization leaders and members, but also those they seek to help. We are all in this world together and we can make an impact as such, even if continents and oceans divide us. Also, there is nothing offered like it at WT, and this program has made headlines, showing the impact of what we do. Make a difference in this world. Sign up.
I never thought I would have stepped out of my comfort zone and studied abroad. Mostly because of fear; the fear of not knowing my way around, or not being able to communicate, and in all honesty, the fear of being in a foreign country. But taking the step to refrain from that fear lead me to endure the miraculous wonders of the world. In several moments of my life, I listened, read, and viewed stories about people traveling to different places. Some shared the greatest moments; others shared the hardest. However, after being in Cape Town, South Africa for two weeks, life taught me many substantial lessons. For instance, people who seek to travel search for the ideal places to explore, nothing wrong with that of course. But because of the opportunity to study abroad, we were able to live and involve ourselves with the communities, which was a new set of unfamiliar observations. Seeing how some of the homes were broken down, and listening to individuals ask for food or money was absolutely heart-wrenching. Regardless of how they lived, the one thing that captured my attention was the simplicity of their lifestyles. Anthea, the director of Building Bridges said to me, “We live a simple life.” At first, all I had seen I did not understand, but the more I observed, the more I understood what she meant. Seeing the people acknowledge their circumstances; however, they were content with their momentary lifestyles. The people were kind, friendly, welcoming and some were even jokesters. They knew we were strangers, and yet, they treated us like one of them. I instantly received a different understanding of simplicity and gratitude.
What I learn about myself
For two years now, my faith has played a tremendous role in my life. For a long time, I had no idea on what I wanted to do career-wise. I focused on finishing school, obtaining my bachelors, and leaving Amarillo. This trip, however, unlocked a door that I fully did not acknowledge. I have always been drawn to people, more specifically, to children. I enjoy watching their faces shine with joy and laughter. After working with Building Bridges, an organization that supports children obtain an education and food, allowed me to acknowledge the passion I have for serving. Before coming on the trip, I had figured out that I would love to work within a nonprofit, but now, my vision has changed. I want to start a nonprofit and help the younger generation. I want to encourage them. I want them to know their potential and worth.
Advice for future participants
Cape Town was phenomenal. We learned some history about Cape Town on the Red Bus tour, saw the Atlantic and Indian Ocean collide, captured the beautiful pink-orange skies on Table Mountain, walked and climbed the Lions Head Hike, and explored Robben Island. All incredible places with their own unique zest. Given the opportunity to visit Cape Town was a dream. Experiencing and learning a different culture was memorable. Cape Town will capture the hearts of many. And the advice I can give is to take plenty of sunscreen.
When I was first told about the study abroad trip to Cape Town I was apprehensive due to the financial costs of the trip. Jump to a couple of months later and Dr. Osei-Hwere is running into a video editing suite and in telling me that I'm going on the study abroad trip. It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. There's a lot of things that being exposed to different cultures offers but to me it was a reminder of the value and importance of people and community. The trip there was long and exciting. There were periods where I was trying to prep my sleep schedule to avoid jet lag as much as possible and for the most part I was able to avoid the worst of it. The first few days we were there, we did a lot of touristy things. The energy in South Africa let me know that the trip was going to be truly unique. The environment and landscape was unlike anything I had experienced. I described it to somebody recently as being as if Colorado was on the coast. Admittedly I got tired of doing a bunch of touristy stuff fairly quickly. I was excited to get to work and when the work began it was fulfilling.
Langa was one of the most welcoming places I have ever been and I enjoyed being there way more than I enjoyed being in the touristy sections of Cape Town. Meeting everyone in Langa was, from the tourism monitors to our contact Tony, everyone was super welcoming and helpful. Overall the trip reaffirmed the value of community and family and its something ill never forget.
The Challenge
One challenge i had during the trip was trying to enjoy the more tourist parts of the trip when I really just wanted to work on the projects. The ways I overcame it was realizing that even the touristy parts of our trip helped me understand the culture and the environment I was in. I'm not sure the projects we did in Langa would have been as authentic if we hadn't had done the more touristy things.
What I learn about myself
Something I learned about myself on the trip is that I really enjoy the African culture. Its drastically different from the individualized and selfish environment of the United States. I hope i can encompasses some of those African ideals into my daily life to promote community and collaboration.
Advice for future participants
My advice to future buffs that take part of the trip is that study abroad programs are more than just a vacation. Anyone can go to a country, tour the nice places, buy the key-chain, and take the selfie with the landscape but no one will ever have the experience you have when you can actually make a positive impact in an environment. Tourist often enter into an environment and take and ingest the culture, but it becomes something more when you put into the environment instead of just taking from it. The work can be hard, but it will always be more empowering than a selfie.
I don't think study abroad is for everyone but I do think anyone can do study abroad. Part of the experience of studying abroad is learning if its right for you and realizing that even if the experience isn't completely amazing that there is still value in any experience. It's not something you can just out of the blue, unless your super rich. It takes financial and social sacrifice to be a part of a study abroad trip, but the greatest things in life often come through overcoming great odds.
Cape Town is a place filled with beauty I had never experienced before. I am still amazed to this day on how beautiful the environment and landscape of the land the city has. Nature aside other forms of beauty which really tied the gift of South Africa up with a luxurious bow was the unique food, culture, and people that live in Cape Town. I always mention that, "Tomato Sauce is better than Ketchup", to many people that ask about my experience there. I use this to show how similar Cape Town is to the US. The city is heavily influenced by western culture, but instead of conforming to standard US norms they have integrated it beautifully within their culture as well. The health and freshness the city has to offer from clean air, beautiful oceans, green mountain tops, and fresh foods is just remarkable to say the least. Inside the Township of Langa itself is a firm reminder of the small Texas town where I come from, Dumas. The community is so well knit together and has a strong formed bond similar to where I come from. I believe the township is making remarkable progress very similar to what my small town is trying to do.
The Challenge
The biggest challenge that I overcame from the trip was making new found friends an ocean apart. At the start of the trip I would rarely speak to anyone out of embarrassment or nervousness of others underestimating what I could contribute. This lead to many experiences that could have been made if only I wasn't so shy. Fortunately, WTAMU students and staff/faculty are very outgoing and very understanding of any students in almost any situation. Even an ocean apart I was motivated by those affiliated with WT to be more outgoing and discover who I am. I can now say that I have friends all the way in South Africa! And, I can say that I also have some of the best people to call friends right here at WTAMU (and Wellington!).
What I learn about myself
I learned that I love using media to enact social change. I am much more passionate about creating things not only for entertainment, but for purpose and reason for communities other than my own. WTAMU has offered me an opportunity to learn and I will not take this opportunity for granted. I will learn and I will push for more media that may spark and inform and enlighten communities to unite as one and tackle such social issues head on.
Advice for future participants
My main advice would be to experience and learn any and all that you can while present on the trip. I believe that the opportunity for such a trip should not be taken in vain and that you should learn to love what the culture has to offer. Hike mountains, try new food, listen to their music, go to their events, and understand what makes South Africa's culture so unique in a different way compared to ours.
Why I recommend this program
I highly recommend the WTAMU Cape Town Study Abroad program to the fullest extent I can. The trip is a life changing experience that is well worth the time and money that is spent. I am highly looking forward towards the next trip in the following year!
Over the 2019-2020 Christmas break, I, along with my fellow students and peers, got the opportunity to have a great experience to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. The entire time over there was nothing but pure excitement and curiosity. The city had so much to offer and I wanted to let all the knowledge in. With all the help given to the township Langa and program Building Bridges, it was an experience of a lifetime. This also goes along with all of the touring and sites we visited as well to learn more about this wonderful city and all it has to offer. I wish we had more time there, but we eventually had to say our goodbyes, or hopefully for me, see you later. I would love to come back and help out on the mission given to us and see it reflect in more student’s lives as they are impacted by this wonderful trip in the future.
The Challenge
A challenge I overcame was sticking to the script and doing everything in a straight line. When given the opportunity to break up into smaller groups and explore, I took initiative and looked for places to go and things to see. I did not want to go back to the same place over and over again just because it was beautiful or efficient. More, more, more I asked and sure enough, I received. Our limits to variety were nonexistent and it was a new experience every day we were there. That was a challenge I graciously overcame with some help from my fellow teammates.
What I learn about myself
Before this trip, I was confident that I would never travel overseas. I had no need to, everything I ever wanted or needed was right here in the United States. I opened myself up to this trip for educational purposes and it has turned my mind around. Learning about different cultures and history really was fascinating. I would love to do this for more countries and more cultures to come. I could definitely use this experience as a guide or resource for anyone that is scared to step out of their comfort zone and leaving the country. I would implore them to do the same.
Advice for future participants
For future participants that will go into this program is basically be open minded. Do not go in with all these thoughts or scares of what it will be like or what could happen. When you are studying abroad, my best advice is to take it one day at a time. You will live life way better and make a better experience out of it.
Why I recommend this program
110% I would recommend this program to WT students. This was eye opening for me to see what the culture or media was like somewhere else and it also gave me good experience in my line of work. Great friendships were made on this trip and memories that will last forever, even friendships made over in Cape Town as well. Miss this place every day and look forward to the next time I go.
I did not expect to be as home sick as I got on this trip. I love to travel and have been out of the country before so it never crossed my mind that I would get home sick while in South Africa. I overcame this challenge by a couple of things. I face-timed my family a lot, wrote my friends letters, and then I went a shopped for specific souvenirs for my people back at home.
I am a person who really loves being around my family and friends. I guess I didn’t realize how much time I spent with them until I was away for 16 days. So I learned that I am content with where I am in life. I love to be outside when working on things. I knew this before but think that it is good to be reminded about things that you love.
My advice, get to know the people of SA. Ask them to tell you about themselves and what they love about their country. When taking pictures of all the beautiful things in SA actually
stop and look around at the beauty. Don’t just look through your camera
lens but at the actual beauty. Try some new food!Get to know your fellow WT people. Ask them questions about their experience while in SA.Enjoy your time. Savor each moment.
