A heart, a brain, courage and home.

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Before leaving for South Africa, I was asked why it was necessary to go all the way to South Africa to study for a semester. Surely I couldn’t get a better education down there than I could get in America right? Even at tiny Albion College, a patrol boat college, I could get a better education for a semester than I could in South Africa. My dad joked that some of my classes would include Spear-Chucking 101, along with Lip Plate Inserting 101. My classes turned out to be a little more relevant than my dad suggested, but I understand the mindset of everyone’s questions. America offers us everything we need, and we have access to many of the best colleges in the world within our borders. Yet with all due respect to the University of Cape Town, studying abroad is all about what you learn outside of the classroom. Desks, blackboards and Powerpoint slides turn into border security posts, thick accents, foreign currency and seeking out giant burgers. Mountains of homework become real mountains, and the rain falls and falls…and falls. Southern Africa is a great teacher, and I learned many valuable lessons that will never appear on an exam or on a job application. These lessons will appear in life, and ultimately that’s what studying abroad provides the student: with a life experience.

During my semester, I learned…

…that sometimes you have to be blown down from the mountain to appreciate the climb to the top.

…that it rains all the time, it’s up to you whether you get wet or not.

…when heading into rapids, paddle as hard as you can, grab the “oh shit!” line, get up and keep paddling.

…that humans are animals, too.

...that it's a jungle out there.

…that fear is derived from uncertainty.

South Africa is a beautiful country, and I would encourage anyone to visit the Rainbow Nation. I’d encourage any college student to study abroad during their college career, whether it be for a full year, semester or during the summer. Every day abroad, you learn something, whether about the country, the world or yourself. But now, I’ve enjoyed my semester. Mr. Speilberg, I’ve got a long winter break and I’ll have my people call your people. Where do I plan on traveling next, you might ask? Machu Pichu? Abu Dhabi? Katmandu? Right now, I plan on heading home, but I am certain that I will travel again in the future.

And because I’m certain, I’m not scared.

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Comments

[Gtandma]

Bravo
BRAVO to you for taking on such an adventure and sharing it so vibrantly with us.

[Mark Anthony]

So many cool stories, I bet
Hey Kyle. I'm currently taking a break from my ISP and happened to find your blog through the school website. I can't wait to talk to you soon about your adventures in SA. Seems like you really enjoyed it! MA

[Sheba]

Beautiful
I was going to comment on the beautiful pictures you took, then i read your story and i must say it is better than the picture. God and peace be with you.