Alexis Cromwell
About My Study Abroad Program
Major/Minor: Psychology BS/Urban Planning Minor
Program: IES, University of Cape Town
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Email: [email protected]
Term: Spring 2024
Why did you choose to study abroad and how did you select your program?
One of the reasons that I choose this study abroad location is because my father has been talking about Africa for as long as I can remember, helping me to undo the stereotype that usually surrounds the location. I choose Cape Town in specific because of the universities reputation and its relevant location to the mountains and ocean surrounding the city.
What did you learn about yourself?
The major take away that I had during my experience, that I think about nearly everyday, is how I deal with situations. I could go into detail about how each person in my friend group taught me something in their own individual way, but the main thing was to dive head first into situations. I took this as meaning, do not react to things that have not happened yet, you are your own worst critic, do not think just do, the world is your oyster, out your all into the things you are doing in the moment, etc. While all of the previous statements are clichés, while studying abroad I really came to understand what they meant to me and how I was going to interpret them going forward. I learned resilience, compassion, introspection, awareness, and literally so much more.
What is one of your favorite memories from your program?
One of my favorite memories is the formation of my friend group, through my program, while abroad. Absolutely none of the experiences that I had abroad would be anywhere near as memorable with out them. We did so many program field trips where they contributed to the welcoming environment and excitement for the next day. After meeting the people that I was studying abroad with, and spending so much time with them for five months, it made it nearly impossible to leave when our time came to an end.
What advice do you have for future study abroad students?
To speak more on the topic above, fully jump into the situation and give it your all. You should be going in with little to no expectations and with a high priority to try things that are normally not within your comfort zone. This is your chance to "rebrand" and learn about yourself while learning about how others go about doing the same thing. You are traveling into a culture that you probably have never emerged yourself in before, so let the people around you teach you to the full extent of the word. You might feel scared and nervous before going, but everything happens for a reason and you will find your place and people, just like you have at your home institution.
How do you identify?
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Memories
