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Eliza Siordia
| Hometown: |
Kenosha, Wisconsin |
| Program: |
University of Cape Town | Interstudy |
| Location: |
Cape Town, South Africa |
| Semester Abroad: |
Spring 2010 |
| Major: |
Communication & Media Studies |
| Minor: |
International Politics; Business Administration
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Memorable Experience:
One of the most memorable experiences of my semester abroad was the opportunity to meet Bishop Desmund Tutu. This extraordinary man served as a South African beacon of hope during the Apartheid, and he continues his work today of raising awareness of the oppressed. Meeting a man who has seen so much despair and indifference, yet still manages to be cheerful and hopeful, is almost unexplainable. I was also blessed enough to experience the World Cup atmosphere, cage dive with great white sharks, study in a prestigious African university, and spend my “winter” break in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Ultimately, living in a developing country for five months was unbelievably eye opening.
Benefits of Studying Abroad:
Ever since my performance as an elephant in the Kindergarten Circus, I
have desired to visit the African continent. When the opportunity to
transform my dream into a reality presented itself, I naturally did not
think twice. To me, it did not matter that no other St. Norbert student
(in my semester) selected anywhere in Africa as their destination.
Remember, studying abroad experience is about YOU.
I think one of the benefits of spending a semester abroad in a
nontraditional setting is that it grants you the ability to truly
understand why Americans are so blessed. Ultimately, so many of our
“necessities” are not that at all, rather luxuries that we take for
granted. I truly have a deeper understanding of international issues in
politics, development, and the United States’ importance. I feel that
studying and traveling through the continent truly allowed me to
exonerate my previous mindset and adopt a unique mindset regarding
multiple life facets. I am determined to return to the continent at some
point in my career, and I am quite certain after my educational
experience at the University of Cape Town, I want to pursue a Masters in
Business Administration.
Advice & Tips:
I know that there are many misconceptions regarding Africa in terms of
culture, safety, and general lifestyle. Yet one must experience it to
actually grasp where such misconceptions originated and how they can be
overcome. Wherever one selects to study abroad, I recommend that they
truly immerse themselves in their host cities. I am quite grateful that I
spent the vast majority of my weekends in Cape Town because I adopted
the local lifestyle. South Africa is a gorgeous, beautifully diverse
country, and its transformation post-Apartheid is astounding, and it is
still progressing. The breathtaking, exuberant country and its people
truly stole my heart, which I left in Cape Town, South Africa.
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