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Welcome to Our Blog

WELCOME TO OUR BLOG

As anyone who has participated in UConn's Education Abroad in Cape Town will tell you, there are no words to adequately explain the depth of the experiences, no narratives to sufficiently describe the hospitality of the people, and no pictures to begin to capture the exquisite scenery. Therefore this blog is only intended to provide an unfolding story of the those co-educators who are traveling together as companions on this amazing journey.

As Resident Director of this program since 2008 it is once again my privilege and honor to accompany another group of remarkable students to this place I have come to know and love.

In peace, with hope,
Marita McComiskey, PhD

(marita4peace@gmail.com)

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Alex Z finding an adventure everyday as she learns to go with the flow

I swear I’m falling in love with this place even more and more every day, if it’s even possible at this point. The people and the atmosphere of Cape Town is not something that can be replicated.

Monday through Wednesday, I’m having the time of my life at the aquarium; I’m being left to more responsibility and I feel as if I’m making a real difference there. Today was a rather slow day (as Tuesday’s typically are), but even on a lax day I was able to create copper sulphide and citric acid compounds for water quality, manage in the kitchen for several sectors for feeds and help educate a new intern on the morning rush. My coworkers are absolutely amazing. I have never been so immediately close with a group of people in my life. They have the brightest attitudes and we all seem to have an understanding of each other as “animal people”. The tea times, lunch times and beers on the roof after work create the best kind of bonding.

Thursdays are classroom days, which in comparison to everything else are a bit bleak, but I am truly glad to understand the history of everything as it applies to everyday life in Cape Town. I have come to realize that everyone has an opinion. Cab drivers, coworkers and civilians all have their unique take on the lifestyle and history. They all seem to care very deeply about the subject matter of race and politics, where in America it doesn’t seem as urgent of a topic. The articles and class discussions all are important on reinforcing these points, and to have support during conversations with people is absolutely necessary.

The weekends always hold such amazing promise. Just last weekend was absolutely one of the best of my life. A large group of us went on the Garden Route and spent Friday through Sunday exploring the Kango Caves, interacting with elephants, canoeing down wilderness reserves, bungee jumping and going on safaris. Everything was breath-taking. The bungee jump was something that was completely out of my comfort zone which is why it was so significant. My parents actually didn’t believe me when I expressed to them my interest, never mind my actual following through of jumping. They both seem to understand the importance of this place to me and are so happy that I am so happy. I really feel as if I belong here.

I’ve talked to some people about the options of traveling and careers in order to find myself back here after this trip is done. Two people at the aquarium mentioned that perhaps teaching English as a second language could help provide work. I am also going to look into graduate school at UCT if the future allows it, along with the possibility of missionary work. But if there’s one thing that this trip has taught me, is to go with the flow. One of my goals with coming here was to unwind from my rushed lifestyle and to become casual with life’s ebb and flow, which I feel, has happened quite a bit. There’s an adventure every day it seems, and may I say cheers to that.


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