The Traveling School's Fall Semester to Southern Africa

Making the decision to go abroad with the Traveling School was the best one I ever made, and has shaped my life every step of the way since. I loved it so much I even went on a second semester! The SW Africa semester is truly incredible, with breathtaking scenery at every turn, wild animals to see on every travel day, and some incredible outdoor adventures. Spend a semester traveling in an overland safari truck, camping with a full view of the beautiful starry sky, and learning greetings in languages from Tonga, to German, to Xhosa (a clicking language!). We got to learn about the impacts of apartheid in South Africa, visit the town where Nelson Mandela grew up, and spend a week in the bustling city of Cape Town. We learned to surf in the well-renowned Jeffery's Bay, rock climb in Waterval Boven, and hike Dune 45 in the Namib desert to watch the sunrise. This doesn't even touch on all of the amazing things were able to do and see during our time in Southern Africa, because every day there was a new adventure and unparalleled opportunities for academic exploration.

I've done a lot of semester programs, and TTS is definitely top notch. The experience is unlike anything you will ever have in a normal high school, or on another semester program. I learned a lot about my academic subjects, and myself, during my time in South Western Africa. TTS does a fantastic job of making connections with different people and organizations in the countries that we traveled in, so you are always busy! In addition the food on this semester is great because you have your own chef, Crispen, to cook for you (you have to do some prep work with him though!). This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity, and while it is difficult to leave home, I promise it will be worth it in the end. Going on a semester with the Traveling School was hands down the best decision i've ever made.

The only negative thing about The Traveling School is that no program I do can ever live up to this.
When you are in high school you are learning - but also shaping your values, your beliefs, and your relationships to those around you and yourself. Traveling with a group of girls and your teachers allows you to focus on the basics...
I hated sitting in a classroom staring at the walls while teachers pointed to text book facts. The Traveling School allowed me to learn about history while walking through a museum: writing about a particular exhibit, researching through talking with experts as well as locals in the area. (Interdisciplinary study does not get any more real than this).
Typical day? In the mornings you wake up (usually in a tent) and then do a PE class. Then breakfast, and class- which might be counting animals in a wildlife park to later write a report on.. Lunch, traveling to the next spot, rock climbing, math class, homework time, dinner prep, and setting up the tent again... As I think about it, I realize there are no typical days in this program, each one is different and can not really be described... If you have the slightest inkling for full days with studies that last and friendships that cannot be surpassed, I suggest this program.

Our days in Africa varied immensely, though each was incredible. Though it sounds cheesy, I can honestly say that the semester to South-Weet Africa changed my life. The people I met, both the girls and teachers on the trip, the guides and the people in the different towns were all unique and very welcoming. When I came home, I was a better human, with more direction in my life than when I had left. Though there were no "average" days, a somewhat normal routine was to have class in the morning and go site seeing or to a historical site in the afternoon. Some days we would have full class days, others no class at all. Each day was varied, each a new experience