Author Archives: hce5002

Hello Sunshine

Hi guys. I am checked in and currently awaiting boarding. I just said good bye to my family at the gates and as sad as that was I am so excited to get started on this adventure. I already have some advice for those of you planning to study abroad. My family and I left 4 hours before my flight arrival. We had to drive 1 hour to get to the airport. I checked in online the night before my flight just to get it out of the way. It made it much easier at the airport. I was a little afraid when I had to leave my family and find my gate by myself but it’s not that bad just make sure you have you passport and ticket close by where you can get to them and be prepared to take off everything. I seriously had to undress at security lol! For packing I followed the list that my hand book suggested and I’m pretty comfortable with that. I bought some gum and snacks for the flight and my long layover in London. My aunt travels a lot and she told me that’s what she does. In about 1 hour I will be boarding and headed to London! Next time you hear from me I’ll be in South Africa! Pictures of family at airport coming soon! See ya!


Location: @Dulles Airport, Virginia

Getting to know me

Hello everyone. My name is Heidi Elnathan and I am a fourth year student here at Penn State. I major in Psychology (neuroscience option) and International Studies with a focus on the continent of Africa. I am currently enrolled in the CIEE Cape Town: Arts and Science program.  It’s a little over a month before I leave for Cape Town and I am experiencing so many emotions about my trip abroad yet if they asked me to leave tomorrow I would be the first one at the airport. So before I get ahead of myself this is me.

heidi.jpg

I’m really laid back and I am not vary outgoing or adventurous so I want to use this time abroad to explore new avenues. I want to step out of my comfort zone. I want to learn all I can about the South African culture. I would like to work for the peace corp. and I want to use this time to learn about adapting to other cultures and lifestyles. I was born in Liberia, West Africa and I moved to the United States when I was 8 years old.  I am now 21 years old and this would be my first time going back to the continent of Africa.  I am so excited to be able to share this amazing experience with you all. Until then . . . Have a wonderful break!


Location: State College, Pennsylvania