Students from China's Nankai University attended an academic and cultural immersion Customized Program in Cape Town, South Africa, thanks to a recent partnership with IES Abroad and SAF. The students spent a week investigating the changing connections between China and Africa in a seaside city in South Africa, as opposed to the hectic streets of Tianjin, one of the biggest cities in China.
SAF Global Ambassador Su Zihan embarked on this incredible 7-day journey through IES Abroad and SAF and enthusiastically completed the program. Below is their detailed review, as well as some of the memorable highlights of the excursion.
Activity Overview
This seven-day excursion consisted of four days of structured activities. The first was an orientation and introduction to South Africa, along with the trip itinerary, rules, and suggestions for sightseeing and dining spots. The second was a guest lecture on the African economy at the University of Cape Town. On the third day, we discussed the country's relationship with China and more information on local history and culture. The last day was a captivating Cape Peninsula tour with stops at Duiker Island, Twelve Apostles, Boulders Beach, and the Cape of Good Hope Lighthouse.
The professors we worked with considered that we were new to traveling to South Africa and not fluent in English. They gave great lectures that were easy to understand, articulate, and easy to follow along with.
Course Benefits
SAF carefully developed courses to increase our knowledge of South Africa. Beyond textbooks and the internet, which were inaccurate, we knew nothing about South Africa. Local experts discussed South Africa's economy, society, and growth prospects. Interactive learning has increased our understanding and problem-solving. More importantly, they have inspired us to think internationally about different cultures and embrace diverse worldviews with openness and tolerance.
These seminars have increased national knowledge and academic and personal success. International politics majors said these seminars provided new approaches to examining African political systems, which might benefit them later. Chinese Language and Culture students claimed this event helped them rethink global Chinese culture. They now comprehend language learning needs and issues across cultures, which will inform future teaching and cultural dissemination. As a finance student, this trip helped me understand foreign economies. Watching South Africa's economic success, opportunities, and challenges has improved my knowledge of the global economy. Academic research and professional advancement need this practical expertise.
Accommodations
We could see the ocean from our hotel room, just over a hundred meters from the shore. The area is serene and secure, with nature all around. Our two-person room had more excellent facilities than expected. The bathrooms and bedding were nice. The hotel staff was accommodating and kind, and it was a wonderful stay.
Meals
The hotel provided two dinners and a full buffet breakfast. Breakfast options included fruit bowls, yogurt, bread, cupcakes, eggs made to order, bacon, sausages, fried fish, chicken, juice, coffee, and tea. The dinner options included roasted lamb, chicken (both breasts and legs), fried fish, and hearty soups.
Additionally, IES Abroad and SAF provided two dinners, including a special potato salad and lasagna. We also enjoyed authentic South African cuisine at nearby restaurants. The natives' cooking and food comprehensively introduced the local cuisine.
Going to the South African eatery Gold was the highlight. This restaurant serves traditional South African fare like venison pie and ostrich salad. The performers in the dining area showcased the rich culture and charm of South Africa by playing African drums, performing traditional dances, and singing folk songs.
Shopping
The outing to the shops was fantastic. To ensure our safety, our professors joined us as we shopped as well.Along with our favorite sweets and souvenirs, we went food shopping in Cape Town. The airport and the Cape Peninsula had fantastic keepsakes for us to take home. These shops offered reasonably priced, high-quality goods.
Transportation
For safety, we drove in rental cars. The drivers were punctual, friendly, and safe, leaving an excellent impression. We liked discussing South Africa and China with the drivers in our leisure time.
Classmates and Teachers Interactions
As 15 Nankai University students, we flew to South Africa. We were were partnered with another student and regularly spoke online, and thankfully, we got along well in person. Students from different majors shared their professional views on the same themes, providing new insights and in-depth discussions. World History and Computer Network Security students shared a hotel room and spoke late about their fields' problems. My roommate and I liked discussing money and economics because we studied finance. This experience helped to strengthen our relationships.
We enjoyed the company and advice from Professor Zheng from Nankai University's International Cooperation and Exchange Office who kept our group safe and coordinated shopping trips. Local IES Abroad staff members such as David, Jody, Devonne, Ashleigh, and Chelsea were kind. We met them online, and they cared for our well-being, cooked sweets and meals according to our diets, which made us feel comfortable. We got along with them, making our study abroad full of life.
We liked the program’s guest speakers. All talks were interesting and inspirational despite time constraints.
Greatest Program Gain
The most beneficial aspect was developing a global perspective and practical skills. I learned about South Africa's social, economic, and cultural history from firsthand experience, not textbooks. This extensive knowledge has enabled me to argue international issues clearly and analytically and see them from several perspectives. I can also readily adapt to new situations and communicate well, which will benefit me in domestic and international schooling and careers.
Greatest Moment
The highlight was the guided tour of Cape Town's District Six Museum. District Six was a vibrant, multi-racial neighborhood until apartheid in the 1960s and 1970s declared it a "white area," pushing non-white residents out. This museum is unlike anything I've seen with its strong "personal" touch. Local remarks, embroideries, and family photos are shown. The museum shows District Six inhabitants ' lives and catastrophes through images, oral accounts, artworks, and other exhibits.
Application Method
SAF thoughtfully planned a broad curriculum that assisted us throughout the assignment. The instructors also monitored our safety and learning outcomes to help us flourish academically and personally.
Many thanks to SAF for their assistance throughout the project application process. There are two individuals that I would like to personally showcase:
Since the project began in May 2024, Crystal, an SAF staff member, contacted us, distributed SAF and university notifications, and guided us through passport and visa applications, ticket selection, and online system filling. After visa complications over the summer holiday delayed our program, Crystal patiently and graciously answered our queries via WeChat, even on weekends and late at night. Her meticulousness and expertise comforted us.
Professor Li worked hard to plan and ensure everything went well in the two pre-departure meetings. She traveled to Beijing Capital International Airport to prepare printed paperwork and onboard goods like eye masks for us before departure. We appreciated this kindness.
In addition to these two professors, several SAF staff members provided detailed assistance. With SAF's help, we completed our study abroad trip. Thank you, SAF!
Schedule an appointment with an SAF counselor to learn about international possibilities.
Photos from Su Zihan
