Jennifer Boran

Jennifer Boran 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.

I am not a political science major and a large component of our trip was South African politics. Our director organized for us to go to a political rally for the ANC, a party that represents the black working class. We were all a little hesitant since we would be way out of our element. While trying to locate the site for the rally our vans happened to get in the political parade for the ANC's opposition, the Cope party. It took us about ten minutes to realize we were in a parade and it was very amusing to see the parade goers quizzical looks when they saw two vans full of white kids in their parade. Finally we got to the rally which was at an old soccer field with about 400 people milling around while the stage setup was being tinkered with. Other than a few reporters we were the only white people were a little intimidated. Our professor told us to walk around and I expected that we would likely huddle as a group on the outskirts of the crowd but soon enough CSB/SJU students started making their way into the crowd. Within five minutes we were talking to locals and even invited into dance circles and learning songs from the freedom struggle. Many of the locals were very impressed by our interest in their party and we were asked to pose in many photos. When we left the rally I honestly couldn't believe the experience we had just had and how wrong I was to think that we would not be accepted by this community. This remains one of my favorite moments of my South African experience.

Why did you choose the program in which you participated?

I had always been attracted to the Greco-Roman program but when I started to more research about it I found that I wanted to test my comfort level a bit more. Many of my friends were applying for the Greco-Roman trip and I wanted to have the opportunity to really branch out during my study abroad trip. South Africa was a trip that a year beforehand I had no interest going on. When I took a second look at the program I found that it was where I really wanted to go abroad.

Describe your overall study abroad experience.

I went to South Africa with many assumptions and pre-concieved notions of what my experience would be like and what I would get out of it. I'm glad that I am clueless when it comes to anticipating things because the experience I had far exceeded what I thought it would be.

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

The poverty and racial conflicts still present in South Africa were very startling and really offered me a chance to be humbled. The volunteer work we did in Pendla Primary school has forever changed the way I appreciate the opportunities I have as an American. The volunteer work also moved my heart in that I now would like to volunteer after graduation and spend more time being offering service to a greater cause.

What advice do you have for future Study Abroad Students?

-Do not anticipate
-Be a traveler not a tourist, seek out true cultural experiences not - gimmicks