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Christine Lucachick

Christine Lucachick 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.

By far, one of the most profound cultural experiences from South Africa was volunteering weekly at Pendla Primary School. It was our deepest immersion into the township communities of Port Elizabeth and where we built the most relationships with South Africans. As each week went by, our students became more like family than strangers, despite the difficult language barrier. Leaving Pendla for the last time was one of the hardest things I have ever done. How do you say goodbye to a six year old that you will never see again? Who doesn't speak English? Who has almost a 50% chance of HIV/AIDS infection and will be lucky to make it to twenty without dying of disease, being killed, homeless, or in jail? That is the real South African experience, and no matter how heartbreaking, that's just the way it is.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated?

I wanted to study abroad for a million reasons: new experiences, new friends, different perspectives, different classes, resume building, and much more. I chose South Africa in particular because it incorporated many things I was interested in: volunteer work and science classes, in particular. I was also hugely drawn to the active and adventure oriented nature of the program, as described below. Lastly, the dates of the trip worked well with my schedule. And who wouldn't want to live on the beach with 30 of their friends??

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

South Africa was literally the best four months of my life. It was the best thing I have ever done, hands down. If you want to go abroad and look at fancy museums, tour old architecture, eat nice food, and live in luxury, then by all means, go to Europe. But if you want to go on the adventure of a lifetime and DO STUFF, then GO TO SOUTH AFRICA. I did the world's highest bungee jump, swam in the Indian Ocean every day, climbed Table Mountain, zip-lined across a river gorge, ate warthog and kudu, attended rugby games in World Cup stadiums, went on a safari, held a baby lion, learned to surf, and so much more. If any of that appeals to you, then this is your trip.

How has the trip affected you? How are you different for having completed the experience?

My South African experience has had an enormous impact on my life. I gained 28 new best friends, did something new and exciting every day, was humbled by experiences with poverty and awed by the wildlife and landscapes. South Africa gave me a new perspective on what I want to do with my life and why. I am now more open to new experiences and more confident in my ability to withstand challenges.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

Don't be afraid. Just go. I know it's hard, but try not to fret about money. You don't want to pass up on any experiences just because you are worrying about cash.