AIFS Study Abroad in South Africa: Summer

As a student with a STEM major, I was only able to do a summer study abroad program, and it was not long enough. The AIFS Public Health Program in Stellenbosch, South Africa was applicable to my field of study, as well as during the ideal time of year and within the continent of my choice. This program was truly the perfect option for the opportunity of a lifetime.

During my stay, I was able to live in the dorms with other students from all over the US and the rest of the world, and was even lucky enough to room with a South Africa, who knew all of the local places to go and see, and all of the activities to do. The first of two classes I was able to take were an introduction to the political history of the country, which was taught in the most engaging, and memorable method of instruction I've experienced in my college career. The second, which related to my career, was the public health program, where I was able to learn about the local health care system and health problems that plague the country in a personal and eye-opening manner.

Throughout this time, classes were balanced by experiencing the beautiful country, nearby cities, culture, and tasting all of the amazing food that South Africa had to offer, all with the best company a person could ask for. As a whole, the organization of courses and excursions that AIFS offered for this program made my study abroad the best I could have possibly asked for. It's the best thing I've done for my studies and for myself, and I wish only that it could've lasted longer.