Cape Town, South Africa has been recognized as one of the top places to visit in the world, even by the New York Times. For the first time, Nankai University in China has partnered with IES Abroad and SAF to create a multi-day Customized Program for students in Tianjin to explore Cape Town. This initiative offers students the chance to not only visit this beautiful location but also to participate in a unique educational experience.
Shen Zong Shang, a SAF Global Ambassador from China and participant in the IES Abroad and SAF program, embarked on this journey and documented the entire experience. Below is their firsthand account of how everything went and all of the perks that made this excursion unforgettable.
All About the Nankai IES Abroad and SAF Cape Town Customized Program
This Cape Town journey, organized by Nankai University in collaboration with IES Abroad and SAF, is a cherished memory from the initial selection of the university to its successful conclusion. The journey lasted several months, from May to January, involving three visa applications, numerous forms, countless emails, trips to Beijing, and online meetings. Over the 100 days of round-the-clock support from the Nankai International Exchange Office, SAF partners, and IES Abroad and SAF staff, my anticipation for this trip grew
Ultimately, it was worth it. As the plane landed, I looked out at the charming South African communities resembling scenes from the digital game, The Sims. Seeing the globe app on my phone, I was excited—I had crossed the world.
In high school, I learned about Vasco da Gama discovering the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Town’s Mediterranean climate influenced by various currents. However, when I visited this city, 13,000 kilometers from home, I found it astonishingly different from my expectations.
Cape Town's beauty surpassed expectations. On sunny days, the gentle yet brilliant sunlight revealed clear waters blending turquoise, emerald, and sapphire. In contrast, the winds howled on cloudy days, and the gray-white waves roared. Table Mountain, known as "God's Table," lived up to its name, offering a dreamlike view of lush valleys and scattered white cottages from its summit.
Our stay included visits to the University of Cape Town, China Construction Bank Cape Town, and the Chinese Embassy. These encounters went beyond tourism, showing us parts of South Africa we may not have seen otherwise. I once told a friend that what distinguished this program from others was its emphasis on people and culture rather than just natural scenery or gourmet foods, which can be found anywhere. I found it wonderful to truly experience the pulse of a city and continent.
We attended many program lectures about South African culture, history, and society and its new cooperation with China. The information we got in Cape Town was above my expectations. The busy city center is a colonial remnant, while the District Six The museum chronicles racial persecution and struggle. African culture is more profound than textbooks, with various languages, vivid music and dance, magnificent handicrafts, and a profound love for family and nation. This country still struggles with income inequality, education, jobs, and safety. Our lecturer's comic strip showing the income divide between South African ethnicities is still fresh in my mind.
Interacting with the locals created many unforgettable memories. Everyone spoke fluent English and local languages like Afrikaans. We worked together in the fields, explored tourist sites, and debated various topics with a Black tour guide. Despite our differences, we shared common aspirations. The kind driver, the enthusiastic Soil for Life representative, and the humorous IES Abroad Center Director, David, all contributed unique stories about this land.
During the program, I met fascinating friends from various fields. My roommate sparked late-night discussions on history and sociology, a medical student clarified anatomy for me, and another friend explained exchange rates. These interactions powerfully impacted me.
I am truly grateful to our supervising teacher and SAF and IES Abroad for this unique learning experience.
To begin your own fascinating educational experience, call an SAF counselor to schedule an appointment and learn about the programs that are right for you.
Shen Zong Shang's Photos
