Interview with Kelly Campbell, UIndy exchange alum at Stellenbosch University
GO: Why did you decide to study abroad through the Uiversity of Indianapois at Stellenbosch University in South Africa?
Kelly: I decided to study in Stellenbosch, South Africa for one main reason. I hadn't studied abroad in undergrad, so I was looking for a Master's program that would allow me to both study International Relations and do fieldwork in a developing country. The University of Indianapolis happened to be launching their South Africa program right as I was looking for a place to study.
I became the first person from the university to study abroad in South Africa, and it was an amazing experience. I was able to study the effects of colonization both in the U.S. and in Africa. I was then able to spend my free time teaching English in a township school and then travel to Kenya to do some fieldwork with street children. I really got a broad perspective and met some amazing people.
Kelly at the Fondwa Orphanage in Haiti
GO: What made your study abroad experience unique and special?
Kelly: This program was special because it took place in Africa. It is hard to find a genuine study abroad program in Africa. I wasn't interested in the typical places like France, England, Italy, etc. The program taught all of their grad school classes in English which was perfect for me. They offered the volunteering experience in the townships which was essential to my degree.
There were over 250 international students studying at the university when I was there so I ended up meeting people from all over the world. I still keep in touch with many of them. Stellenbosch is located in Wine Country and only 45 minutes from Cape Town, so my weekends were filled with lots of exploring - from vineyards to the V & A Waterfront to Kruger Park all the way to Botswana, Mozambique, and Zanzibar!
Kelly at the Tamu Tamu Hotel in Kenya
GO: How has this experience impacted your future?
Kelly: Studying in South Africa was literally the best decision of my life. I used the opportunity to thoroughly understand the continent, to explore 9 countries while I was there, and then formed my own company, The Village Experience. The Village Experience operates a fair trade retail store creating a market for over 50 women groups in 30 countries including Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa.
We also operate a socially responsible travel company taking groups to Kenya, Uganda, Thailand, Haiti, and Guatemala to work on development projects and learn about social justice issues. We then opened The Village Cooperative, a non-profit, focused on creating and supporting income-generating businesses in the developing world.
My study abroad experience and the travel there after was the main catalyst for me to launch my company. I personally give speeches on topics ranging from sustainability, eco-tourism, famine relief, colonialism, micro-financing, etc - all of these are rooted in the education I received from The University of Indianapolis and Stellenbosch University.
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Choosing to study abroad in a place like South Africa versus England, Spain, or France was the best decision I could have made. I was able to spend the days volunteering to teach English to nursery school kids in the township and then take classes at night. It was the best of both worlds and the University helped set up my classes, housing, and volunteering opportunity. Weekends were spent trying out the local wineries, driving in to site see in Cape Town, or going on safari in Kruger Park. I would highly recommend this program for both undergraduate and graduate students. The entire experience changed my life and led me to change my career. Now I own an international company called The Village Experience and we work all over Africa!