• Programs
• Students
  • Start your Search
  • Apply
  • Before You Go
  • While Abroad
  • Upon Return
• Family & Friends
• Faculty & Advisors
• About Us
• Image Gallery

Rebecca Gross

Rebecca Gross 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.

Volunteering at the Missionvale Care Centre in Missionvale Township was by far the best component to my study abroad experience. Our group did a number of things, including packaging food, gardening, playing with students at recess and folding clothes. However, the days in which we received the opportunity to actually go out into the townships with the care givers were the most eye opening and valuable. First off, the care givers were township citizens that studied, beat the odds and became nurses. It was wonderful to talk to them, ask them questions about the culture and daily life. Then we would get to help treat patients in their own homes. The first house we went into reeked of urine and was infested with flies. A toddler was running around without shoes on the dirt floor. I almost started crying. It was a very real experience witnessing such poverty. It made me appreciate my life a great deal.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated?

Up until studying abroad in South Africa, my experience travelling around the world was very limited. The time I did travel was spent under my parents' care. Studying abroad was the perfect opportunity for me to go completely out of my comfort zone, learn a new culture, become more independent and grow as a young adult. At first I never even thought about studying abroad in South Africa. That was until I went to a study abroad fair held in the Great Hall. The South Africa tripped looked absolutely amazing to me. The students that went appeared to have gained something really special down there. The part that stuck out most to me though was the volunteer aspect. Volunteering has always been important to me, so extending this into the South Africa study abroad program was a perfect fit. Also having taken Intercultural Communication, I realized that I wanted to go somewhere that would be challenging. I did not want my study abroad experience to just be a vacation, but more.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

As an Orientation Leader, I know I will be telling my first year students that they all need to travel abroad somewhere. Whether it is for a week, a month or a whole semester, I know it will be the best decision they will ever had made. Studying abroad was the best experience of my life and I would not trade it for anything. Our group got very close and I miss them and South Africa every day. I want to stress to prospective students that they will gain confidence, independence and a sense of another culture by studying abroad. They will learn about themselves and another lifestyle at the same time which will answer many questions young adults may have about what to do with their lives.

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

The trip has impacted me in so many ways. I personally grew more in those four months than in my three years at college. I became very independent because in most situations you have to figure it out for yourself. After living in a country like South Africa, I know I could live anywhere and do just fine. I also did a variety of things that I never thought I would do. If it took me 16 years to ride a roller coaster, how did I bungy jump or skydive? I gained confidence and courage from moments such as those. I feel that I can accomplish anything I set my mind too. World perspective. This is something you cannot obtain from reading or watching documentaries. You have to be there. It was amazing to understand more about the world and an entirely new culture. My values have changed since observing and immersing with their culture. I have learned that time and efficiency are important for success, but it's spending quality time with people, living in the moment and appreciating the little things that really matters to me now.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

My first advice would be to save up for the trip, because you may only have one chance to do something and you do not want to have any regrets. I would also suggest to read some history, basic facts and cultural norms of your country before going abroad. It is very important to be educated before flying half way around the world. Lastly, get to know your group. You will be spending four months with them and will become very close with one another.