Studying Abroad Without a Strong Passport: What It Took to Get to Cape Town

For many students, studying abroad starts with booking a flight and packing a suitcase. However, for students like me, those of us who don’t hold a “strong” passport, the journey begins with something much less pleasant: a visa application. Before I could even think about what to wear in Cape Town, I had to prove why I deserved to go there. That I had a purpose. That I had plans. That I would come back home. What shocked me most wasn’t how complicated the process was, it was how no one talked about this part of the study abroad journey, which concerned many students.  This blog is for anyone who’s felt both excitement and fear at the same time, excited about an opportunity, unsure if they’ll be allowed to take it.

🛂 My Passport, My Reality

I’m from Tajikistan, a beautiful country, but one whose passport ranks 80th out of 96 globally. To put that in perspective, a U.S. passport ranks 9th. For them, global mobility is expected. For us, it’s earned. So when I got accepted to a summer internship in Cape Town through IES Abroad, the first thing on my mind wasn’t packing. It was whether I would get the visa.

I had to start early, collect a mountain of documents, and hold on to hope. If that’s where you are, too, here are a few things I wish someone had told me.

✈️ 5 Tips for Applying for a Visa 

• Start early. Really early. Visa timelines are unpredictable. Appointments can be booked out for weeks, and documents can take time to gather. Start before you think you need to.
• Keep digital and printed copies. 
  Have everything organized—in folders, in the cloud, and on paper. You’ll thank yourself when something is missing or needs reprinting last-minute.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. IES Abroad supported me with invitation letters and guidance. Your program wants you to succeed—reach out. Follow up. Advocate for yourself.
• It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. There were days I thought, “Maybe this won’t work out.” That feeling is normal. Take a breath. Keep going.
• You’re not alone. There are thousands of us navigating the world with complex visas. The more we talk about it, the easier we make it for those who come next.

🤔Why I Still Chose to Go?

Where you’re born should never define where you can grow.
I’m heading to Cape Town not just to see a new place, but to learn, contribute, and stretch the limits of what I thought was possible. Through my internship at the Scalabrini Centre, I’ll be working with migrants and refugees—people who know even more than I do about borders, challenges, and resilience.

💬 A Note to Students Like Me

If you’re dreaming of studying or interning abroad but worry about your visa situation, know this:

🌍 Your journey might be harder, but it’s never less meaningful.

🌍 Your story matters. Your effort matters. You belong in global spaces. Your voice deserves to be heard!

✨ Next stop: Cape Town

As an IES Abroad Student Blogger, I’ll be sharing more about the process, the people, and what I’m learning along the way. Stay tuned. 💛