DU Abroad

You can’t do everything. I hate that phrase because it’s true. As I spend more time abroad, there is so much I want to do and try, but I don’t physically have the time, and it is infuriating. I decided to take a Friday class (something I tend to avoid at DU), which I go back and forth regretting. On the one hand, I enjoy the class, but on the other, I don’t have a long weekend. Who knew Tuesday/Friday classes could be so problematic. Almost every other student on my program does not have class on Friday, so they explore and travel, but there is only so much class I can miss, something I don’t like doing.

Last weekend, many of my friends traveled to Santiago, Chile, and I really wanted to go. Every day, I changed my mind about whether I would skip class. I ultimately decided not to go to Chile because I knew I was going to visit the country later in the semester. I was also sick and had been for the past two weeks, so I figured it was better for me to rest. It was a good decision.

I had the same problem, not even a week later. My friends were going hiking. There were other plans for the rest of the weekend, so Friday was the only available day for most people. This time, I knew I wouldn’t be able to skip class, for I had a group project. A slightly selfish part of me wished they didn’t go, which I quickly realized was a ridiculous thought.

It’s hard watching your peers enjoy activities without you, but it is part of the experience. I think everyone has a fear of missing out (FOMO), something social media aggravates. There is always going to be a seemingly better option. Right now, it’s which trip sounds the coolest? I also have to ask myself: how much class can I realistically miss? What am I trying to get out of my abroad experience? This last question had helped me a lot. I chose to study in Argentina because I want to improve my Spanish. I remind myself of this when I see my abroad friends taking advantage of their free Friday, or my friends from school all together getting ready for classes or meeting up in Europe. Despite my feelings of loneliness, I know why I chose Argentina, and I am so glad that I did.

Zoe Kaldor

ARGENTINA – IFSA: MENDOZA UNIVERSITIES PROGRAM, 2018 FALL

Zoe Kaldor is an International Studies and Strategic Communication double major. She is studying abroad with IFSA-Butler in Mendoza, Argentina. Originally from New York, DU’s study abroad program was one of the reasons Zoe chose to attend DU. She specifically chose to study abroad in Argentina because she wants to improve her Spanish skills and experience a new culture, for she believes it is so important in an increasingly global society to be able to communicate in languages besides English as well as experience different ways of life. Zoe is an avid traveler and loves to explore new places; she is excited she gets to do both.

Link to Posts

It’s my one month anniversary with study abroad and I must say, I think I am falling in love with her.

I have currently been living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa for a month and a day now and I can rest assured that I made the correct choice for study abroad. Choosing was not easy however. I’ve travelled Europe with my mom and visited my grandparents in Australia so I did not want to go back to either. Unfortunately my Spanish is not at the level I would like to visit a Spanish speaking country. I was torn between Thailand and South Africa, both of which have such densely beautiful cultures and landscapes but I ultimately decided upon South Africa. I was delighted when South Africa chose me too!

Over the past month and a day I have done some crazy amazing things here! I hiked Sacramento Trail along the coast and got this amazing photo!

I have gone to a game reserve and got to see the most amazingly beautiful animals in the world. The week prior to visiting them, they had poachers come in and kill one of their rhinos so it was sad except that they believed the poachers that entered their reserve were the same ones that were eaten by lions a coupe days later. Karma?

I GOT TO RIDE A HELICOPTER! CRAZIEST EXPEREINCE EVER!! Having never rode a helicopter before in my life, this was definitely a highlight, if not the coolest thing I have done this whole month.

Besides my crazy adventures, I have been able to visit the townships, which are the poor areas of PE, and see how life is there. We were able to get a braai (barbecue) in one of the townships and it was the best meal I have had so far. I have been able to meet locals as well as so many internationals from places like Germany, France, Mexico, Norway and others.

A couple of things that I have noticed within this month abroad:

Knowing foreign languages is so cool and so important. GET THAT MINOR IN SPANISH! I have met people who speak 4 different languages while I can speak English and just a touch of Spanish. It is so important so speak other languages so do it!!!
Never judge a book by its cover. Or the stories you hear about it. I remember telling people that I was going to live in South Africa for 6 months and anticipated their horrified faces shortly after the scream that sometimes escaped their lips. Every single person that I told reminded me to “be safe” as if I had not heard that 100 times before. While South Africa does have crime and protests, I have felt so safe this first month and almost everything that I was advised about has not been true. It’s important to have caution, but don’t let it ruin your time abroad.
Port Elizabeth and all South African people are so incredibly friendly and I wish that my world back home was the same. People greet you no matter where you are. They are always willing to help you if you need it. I feel so at home here in PE.

I have made sweet friendships in the past month and sweet memories as well. South Africa has my heart.

Corrina Teague

SOUTH AFRICA– NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY, 2018 FALL

Corrina Teague is a Hospitality Management major. She is attending the ISA: Nelson Mandela University program in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, during the Fall 2018 term. She is hoping to have local experiences and see the natural beauties of South Africa while abroad.

Link to Posts