LeadAbroad - Study Abroad Cape Town, South Africa

I originally began my journey with LeadAbroad as an intern during the summer of 2021, helping lead the DIRECT and LEAD Cape Town programs! I am originally from Newnan, Ga and I graduated from Georgia College and State University in May 2022. I was fortunate enough to have served the Fellowship Role this past summer and fall with a great group of others! I served as the Program Director for PRO Costa Rica and then hopped over to our GO Rome program to be an assistant director. During the summers, I was abroad for a little under 3 months time which was an incredible experience. During the fall season, the Fellows became Student Relation Managers where we traveled across different states to speak to students one on one at many different Universities. It was our goal to focus on how we could sell our programs and share the great adventures and opportunities with as many new students as possible. I chose to take this role because I, too, had a life changing experience abroad and saw how impactful it is for younger students to learn from other places and go outside of their comfort zone. I also have always loved LeadAbroad's vision to change the trajectory of student's lives by creating transformative experiences for them. This company always stays true to their values as well, and it is shown through each one of their staff members both abroad and throughout the year domestically. The company culture is unlike no other. LeadAbroad is unique and focuses on how to make each team member grow in the best way possible. Doing the Fellowship with 4 other women who became my best friends by the end of it, truly changed my life. We traveled together, lived together, and understood each other completely. I would relive this past year of my life 1000 times over again just to have the same impactful experiences as I did. In this role, you meet tons of new people, you impact their lives, and you find your people as well who impact your own life. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity that LeadAbroad gave me to work for them and to have set up such a great environment for all of us to be our true selves and have a happy blend of friendships and work.

I went on the 5-week LEAD program in Cape Town this summer and there are literally not words to describe how special the experience was. I am 10 times the person I was when I left for that trip because of how it shaped me. The academics are so interesting and beneficial, the leadership lessons changed my life perspective, the people I met will be my friends forever, and the experiences I had there are stories I will tell my grandchildren. I went skydiving, bungee jumping, swam with seals, went on a safari, cage dived with sharks, walked with elephants, and way more. You also get to the opportunity to do service in the townships which completely shifted the way I think and I am forever heart-warmed by that experience. I can't recommend this trip enough - it changed my life.

I spent 5 weeks in Cape Town with LeadAbroad, making some of the best friends, getting to know the greatest city, and going on all kinds of cool adventures that helped me to grow and learn more about myself. Before leaving, I was excited to go to Cape Town, but had no idea just how incredible the trip would be. I learned about the culture of Cape Town, which gave me a greater appreciation for not only Cape Town, but also for all cultures and has shaped the way I travel. I did things I could have never imagined doing and that friends and family at home could not believe, but bungee jumping or sky diving isn't as scary as it seems when you're surrounded by the best friends and staff who will encourage you. I didn't know anyone when I went to Cape Town, but my roommate was a mutual friend and we got along right away. We signed up to go sky diving, but I was pretty nervous about it. When it was our day to go, we went in groups of 2 so my roommate and I decided to go together. We ended up being the last group and waited for about 4 hours until it was finally our time to go up in the plane and jump out! This time made me both more excited and more anxious. When were next up, someone who worked at the Sky Diving place told us that "good things come to those who wait" and that we would get to watch the sun set as we jumped. My roommate continued to encourage me and helped me to get over my fear, and we went up in the plane. I watched her stand on the edge of the door and disappear into the sky, knowing I was up next. Next thing I knew, I was free falling through the sky until the guy with me pulled the parachute. At that point, I was able to look down and see my roommate heading towards the ground and felt pretty accomplished for getting over my fear, with the help and encouragement of my roommate and friends. I looked around and saw Table Mountain and the beautiful city of Cape Town and the sun setting. This was just one of many experiences where I faced fears, learned more about myself, grew in friendships, and saw the beauty of Cape Town.

Attending a university where a majority of students go to Europe on the same program with all their friends, I wanted to do something different. LEAD Cape Town was the best decision I could've made. There's not a place in the world more unique or beautiful than Cape Town, South Africa. I miss the sights and experiences (and especially the tastes!) of Cape Town every day. It amazes me that I'm able to say I spent 5 weeks in the location ranked most beautiful in the world!
Lead Abroad brings a staff of bright, motivating, and amazing people to ensure that the students on the trip have the time of their life. After two weeks of planned activities to get our bearings in the amazing city and getting to know our peers, the third and fourth weeks of the trip take you in new directions, both physically and emotionally. Service week in Sir Lowry's Pass village was such a rewarding experience. It's amazing to see what an impact you can have in children's and families' lives in just a few short days. Adventure week on the "Garden Route" along the coast is an exhilarating week of adventures unlike any other in my life. Bungee jumping, shark diving, and riding elephants are the big highlights, but my favorite part about adventure week was getting to know my group during all our long van rides and at the hostel. The last week was bittersweet because we were sad to be leaving, but it's when I truly felt like Cape Town was home. Overall, LEAD Cape Town was the best trip of my life-- I hope others can love my second home as much as I do!

best experience of my life!! if you're into adventure and stepping out of your comfort zone, then this is the study abroad trip for you. while in Cape Town - I got to sky dive, great white shark cage dive, ride elephants, pet cheetahs, bungee jump off the worlds highest bungee, hike table mountain, repel of the side of table mountain, go on an African Safari and so much more!! Also, the staff is amazing and will help you with anything

My trip to South Africa with Lead Abroad left me feeling empowered and excited to take on the world. The academic side of the program embodies the culture and unique history of the beautiful country to make every class interesting. I especially loved learning about leadership styles and my personal strengths- something I still use in interviews and applications today. But what really sets this program apart in my mind is the adventure and service. Bungee jumping, shark cage diving, sand boarding, abseiling- you name it, I did it! However my favorite activity was working in townships with the sweetest families and children. I cannot explain my love for this country or this program! ABSOLUTELY DO IT!!!!! It has led to so many amazing experiences in my life, and I cannot be more thankful for the people I met on LEAD Cape Town!

Studying abroad with LeadAbroad was probably one of the best decisions I've made in my life. I came onto the trip not knowing anyone, but 5 weeks later I left with life long friendships and a new perspective on life. I was able to experience a different culture, learn the importance of serving others, personal growth, and much more. LeadAbroad isn't just some company for students to travel, it's a huge family and their team makes you feel right at home.

By far, the most incredible thing about this program is the staff. These team members work together year-round to create a top-notch program for college students who want more out of their trip than to "just go." Every single detail encompasses a wholesome, safe, insightful, exhilarating travel experience that changes students' lives for the better. They not only serve as directors, teachers, and guides - they serve as mentors. College students who choose to go on LEAD Cape Town will get to explore one of the world's most unique and special cities while building a network of caring and professional staff members and classmates. No one can show you the heart of Cape Town like the staff of LEAD Cape Town. From the most world-renowned tourist attractions to the most perfect hidden gems, from your fellow American classmates to the coolest, most welcoming locals - you'll get a little bit of everything on this program in an organized, fun, and unforgettable way. HIGHLY recommended.