Jillian's excited to learn about another culture

My name is Jillian and I am a sophomore Human Development and Family Studies and Psychology double major. I’ve always wanted to study abroad but didn’t hear about the Cape Town program until last year through a friend. After hearing her talk so energetically and positively about the program I decided to look into it. After learning more about the program, I knew immediately that Cape Town was where I wanted to spend my semester abroad. I’m so excited to be able to explore the country and learn about another culture. I can't wait to experience the world in a way I never have before!

Becca can't stop smiling

Hi, my name is Becca and I am a sophomore majoring in Allied Health Sciences. I have been planning since the beginning of freshman year to study abroad, but I had a really difficult time choosing where I wanted to go. I must have changed my destination at least five times, probably more, before I decided that I wanted to go to Cape Town.  When I first read about the Cape Town program, the internship appealed to me because I love volunteering and helping people, so the fact I can give back to the community that I am going to be living in for three and a half months is just an amazing opportunity. Not only that, but just all the amazing things that one can do while in Cape Town is just astounding, from walking through the Kristenbosch National Botanical Gardens to shark cage diving, I know that I am going to have a lot of fun.  I am so excited and grateful to have been selected to participate in this program. Every time I talk about going to Cape Town with my friends and family, I just can’t stop smiling. It still hasn’t quite hit me that in a few short weeks I am going to be on a plane heading to a different country on a different continent. I can’t wait to go! 

Taylor L. has begun her countdown

Hi! I’m Taylor and I’m a junior studying Speech, language and hearing sciences. I have always wanted to study abroad, but when I first stepped into UConn’s study abroad office I was not sure where I would want to go. I was introduced right away to the Cape Town program. One of the many features that draw me to this program is the fact that it is a living and learning community. When my sister studied abroad, she lived with a family. In hindsight, she wished that she had chosen to live with other students because she found that the students who were surrounded by each other, had a much better experience. I do think a homestay is a very valuable experience to immerse oneself in a culture, and so I am very excited that this program incorporates a three day one! I think that this short homestay will allow us to really put into perspective and understand the history and culture of South Africa. I am appreciative and excited to be selected to participate in this program! Since our first pre-departure meeting, I have started a countdown on my calendar in my room (which saddens my roommate), and I cannot wait until we all board the 15 hour flight to our new home!

Dani always knew she wanted to study in Cape Town

My name is Dani and I am a Sophomore Allied Health Sciences major.  I always knew that I wanted to study abroad in Cape Town because it has always been one of my favorite places in the world.  I have lots of family in South Africa, and having the chance to live in Cape Town for a few months is extremely exciting.  I was thrilled to learn that I have been accepted into this program, and cannot wait for all of the adventures to come.  Being a part of this program will give me the chance to see South Africa in a new light and to learn so much more about the country.  I also do not mind missing most of the infamous Storrs winter weather to be in such a beautiful country!

Christina fell in love with Cape Town and is ready to return

Hello! I'm Christina and I'm a Junior studying Natural Resources with a concentration in Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation. I previously went to South Africa last summer with Uconn's African Field Ecology course and stopped in Cape Town before and fell in love. I was so intrigued with the country and the city , I just knew I had to go back! When I found out I was accepted I was overwhelmed with joy and so thankful that I was given the opportunity to go back to such an amazing place. As the days go by and we get closer to leaving, my excitement keeps building up and I can't wait to begin my journey!