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Brianna Schrankler
Brianna Schrankler is an Ambassador who studied abroad in South Africa.
Briefly describe a specific cultural experience you had on your trip that made a lasting impression.
One specific cultural experience from my trip that I will never forget is my experience volunteering in the townships. While volunteering at Missionvale Care Center I was given the amazing opportunity to work in a community garden, help hand out food parcels at the kitchen, play with the children during recess, and, most memorable to me, go into the township and homes with the caregivers. With the caregivers we were able to deliver medications and check-up on people who were quite ill but didn't have the opportunity to receive proper healthcare. It was an eye-opening experience to see the conditions some of the people in South Africa lived in. The extreme poverty I witnessed was an experience I will never forget. However, I also saw how important community is for South Africans and I will never forget the significance of that either. The experience I had and friendships I made while volunteering will never be forgotten.
Why did you choose the program in which you participated?
I wanted to study abroad to immerse myself in a different culture and broaden my perspectives on the world. I wanted to make connections with others around the world. I chose to study abroad in South Africa because not only did this program allow me the opportunity to immerse myself in a culture much different from my own but it also allowed me the opportunity to volunteer, something I am very passionate about. It seemed like the perfect combination!! It had the balance I was looking for, from volunteer opportunities to adventurous opportunities (such as the World's Highest Bungy)! This program also allowed me to immerse myself in a different culture, but it also allowed me to live with my peers from CSB/SJU and live only a block away from other internationals students! South Africa just had what I was looking for: balance between work and play and balance between living with familiar faces and new faces!
Describe your overall study abroad experience.
I would tell prospective students that studying abroad is nothing less than THEE greatest experience I have ever had. I was able to meet so many amazing people from around the world and was able to see and experience so many things I never would have dreamed of; for me this includes, the world's highest bungy, great white shark cage diving, ostrich-back riding, surfing and sand boarding lessons! Volunteering was nothing short of amazing either! Although studying abroad may seem like a long time to be away from home and a bit scary and challenging, that's part of the experience and in the end, probably one of the most exciting parts of the experience! If you have any interest whatsoever in going abroad, explore the opportunity, talk with study abroad ambassadors, and research countries you're interested in. It's worth every second and every penny!
How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?
This trip has had a great impact on how I view the world. Upon returning to the United States I am more aware of my beliefs, surroundings, and, overall, I am more aware of the differences in lifestyle here. I also think about and appreciate our governmental system, healthcare system and educational system more. I also have realized how fortunate we are in the United States to have so many great opportunities. Upon returning from South Africa, not a day has gone by that I don't wish I could go back. My passion for traveling has also grown immensely and I feel more confident with the idea of traveling. Studying abroad was such a fun and exciting experience. I believe that my view of the world has changed in a way that no other experience but study abroad could have done!
What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?
Embrace, explore and enjoy every second of it! Get out of your comfort zone and meet locals as well as other international students. Make connections and learn about other cultures! As far as exploring goes, make sure you get out and see what the university has to offer, the city has to offer, and even what the country has to offer! Which also means, don't spend excessive time on Facebook and Skype trying to talk with friends at home either. You are only living abroad once and time goes faster than you can ever imagine, embrace it and enjoy it!!