Look Into Cape Town

     I was visiting the prison where Nelson Mandela was held  for 18 years, Robben Island, or The University, as Mr. Mandela would call it. Robben Island was the home to many of the political activists working to topple the Apartheid regime. When people ask, "If you had one night to have dinner with anyone in the world, who would you choose?," I think I would have to say Nelson Mandela. Just think, a man who spent 27 years of his life incarcerated, is freed and elected president, and also promoted forgiveness and peaceful reconciliation throughout all of South Africa. It is a truly incredible story. This visit to Robben Island also made my think about all that South Africa has to offer through its history, cultures, and sites. I would like to use this post to promote South Africa and what it has to offer.

    If any of you are looking to have an international experience, I would highly recommend creating one that is located in South Africa; specifically, Cape Town, South Africa. If you are interested, I would like you to explore some of the sites and activities listed below:

Hiking: Lions Head, Devil's Peak, Constantia and Table Mountain
V& A Waterfront
Stellenbosch
Monkey Land
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
University of Cape Town
Skydiving
Kite Surfing
Kruger National Park
Southern African Tours
The Garden Route
Observatory
Bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge (The world's highest bungee jump)
Camping
Township tours
Mzoli's in Gugulethu Township (Best meat you will ever have)
Wine Tours
Beautiful Beaches: Muizenberg, Clifton 1,2,3,4, Hout Bay, and Sea Point
Museums: Iziko South African Museum, Slave Lodge, Bo-Kaap, District 6, Castle of Good Hope
Countless festivals

And many other sites and activities...

   I do not believe that IUPUI offers a study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa; however, that does not mean you cannot create your own. If your schedule permits, I highly recommend visiting Cape Town and diving in to all that it has to offer. Nevertheless, whether it is China, Argentina, Europe, or South Africa, I feel that it is important for students like us to get out into the international sphere and learn what else the world has to offer. There is so much outside of the U.S. that we do not understand, but we can improve our understanding through interaction with diverse people who have a different perspective then our own. I believe the international experience is vital to our education. So, try to get out there and experience.