So looking back on my trip I realized that though school was a big part of my experience I didn’t write much about UCT. So for the students, especially the CIEE students going abroad this fall I decided to write a survival blog on how to maneuver through UCT and some advice to make the most of your trip. First thing I will say is that UCT is a prestigious university in Africa and you do have to put in effort and learn. With that being said, it is important to not overwhelm yourself with classes, this is not like other semesters at Penn State or at UCT. You have an opportunity of a lifetime and you want to take full advantage of it. The next thing to do is go to class and get involved in class discussions even if you do not know much about South Africa. I learned much of what I know about South Africa from class discussions that sometimes veered off from the topic of the day.  Next on the list are the jammie shuttles. You will learn very soon that the shuttle schedule is basically useless and you just have to show up and get on the first one you can find. If  you’re hungry, the place places to go are Higher Taste cuisine on the first floor of Leslie social and on middle campus where you will find the best samosas probably in all of  and Panda. So, about the weather, throw away your umbrella and just learn to love the rain. It rains almost every day and yes it does get cold especially in lecture halls so bring a jersey (jacket).  You have internet quota so use your internet wisely. Take your school ID everywhere because you will use it all the time.  Learn some slang so you can engage more with the ZA students.  Get involved, it will change your life! South Africa is the perfect place to volunteer your services to organizations that you won’t find in the states. CIEE has an amazing volunteer program and the coordinator Earl is probably on my top most favorite people I have met in my 21 years of living. And finally my biggest advice is that you have an open mind and don’t expect too much. Do not compare the academic experience to Penn State. Take it like it’s your first year in college where everything is new and exciting and you are doing it for the first time because, well, you are. I hope you have an amazing five months.

Location: Cape Town, South Africa