Postcard from Monash South Africa
Sawubona Monash (that's hello in Zulu)
South Africa is amazing -- I don't know why it took me so long to come here.
Through the Monash Study Abroad Program, I'm doing a semester of my environmental science degree at Monash South Africa. I've made friends with people from all over Africa -- Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Congo and of course South Africa.
The campus is fantastic -- great environment and excellent facilities and because it's small, everyone knows one another. Lecturers not only know the names of all their students but also notice when they're not in class!
Many people thought I was crazy to come to South Africa because we hear so much in Australia about the crime. In fact, I think it was the best decision I could have made. I have a similar standard of living as in Australia, and although it took some time to get used to thinking about safety, after a while it becomes second nature. This is helped by the campus providing a safe, secure environment.
Any inconveniences are far outweighed by the experiences I have had. I've seen lions on safari, been kayaking in a river watched by hippos and gone scuba diving on the reefs of Sodwana. I've climbed the famous Table Mountain and watched a friend do battle in a local hip-hop competition.
The Monash Abroad Program has given me the opportunity to continue my studies while experiencing something totally different.
-- Sarah Hobgen
See also
|
