The "Study" in Study Abroad

I think it is worth posting that I am also a student at the University of Cape Town (UCT). I take three classes a day, Monday through Thursday. Overall, I find that my classes are not as academically rigorous as back home, but I enjoy the lectures and interaction with South African students and faculty. I am taking: (1) Advanced South African Politics, (2) South African Policy and Administration and (3) Economies of Feasts and Famine.

Since these classes are very African-centric, they attract many other study abroad students like me -- all eager to learn about Africa while we're, well, in Africa. I try not to sit with the other Americans and become too estranged from meeting South Africans.

UCT is built into the base of Devil's Peak, boasting a 20-minute straight uphill walk every morning. Like most students, I take the shuttle! The buildings on the Upper Campus are covered in ivy and look quite stately from the outside. The campus exudes an elitist feel -- overlooking the N2 to the East with the airport, power station and townships on the horizon. It is a comfortable campus, and I adjusted very quickly.

Of course, the campus does not provide all the amenities of an American school. The accomodations are older, the library lending period is shorter and the air conditioning isn't the same. But for a South African institution, there is no need to complain.