Why I Chose to Study Abroad in Cape Town Through IES Abroad

When I first imagined studying abroad, I pictured a place that would challenge me, inspire me, and widen my understanding of the world far beyond what a classroom could provide. I wanted more than just a change of scenery, I wanted a place where the environment, culture, and history would push me to grow in ways I couldn’t yet articulate. That long list of hopes gradually narrowed into a single, clear answer; Cape Town. 

My decision to study abroad began with a desire to step outside of what felt familiar. I’ve always loved learning about the world through stories, books, documentaries, and conversations with people whose backgrounds differ from mine. But at a certain point, I realized that learning about the world wasn’t the same as learning within it. I wanted to immerse myself and to experience a place where I would not only be a student, but also an observer, a participant, and a learner in ways that go beyond a syllabus. That intention quickly shaped the kind of study abroad experience I was looking for.

Choosing where to go was its own journey in itself. I considered cities across several continents, each offering something compelling. My older sister studied abroad in Cape Town when she was in college, and seeing her photos instantly made me interested in studying there. I spoke to her and did a lot of my own research and what ultimately led to my decision to choose  Cape Town was the way the city seemed to contain multitudes. Cape Town is a place where contrasts coexist: oceans and mountains, busy city streets and quiet natural reserves, deep historical wounds and vibrant modern transformation. It felt like a place where learning would extend far beyond the classroom, woven into the landscape itself. 

The environment was one of the first things that drew me in from my sisters’ photos. I’ve always been happiest in places where nature feels close, and Cape Town is one of the few cities in the world where mountains, beaches, and urban life are all at your fingertips. I imagined studying with Table Mountain in view, hiking after class, or relaxing on the beach over the weekend. The idea of being surrounded by such striking landscapes felt energizing, like the perfect backdrop for reflection and adventure.

Then there was the wildlife. As a devout vegan of almost four years and an animal lover, I knew I wanted a location with unique animal interaction and observation opportunities. South Africa has one of the most diverse and fascinating animal kingdoms in the world, and the chance to be in a place where penguins waddle along beaches and antelope graze just beyond the city limits felt extraordinary. I’ve always been captivated by wildlife and ecological diversity, and Cape Town seemed like the perfect place to experience that firsthand while learning about conservation efforts and interconnected ecosystems.

But more than anything, the history of South Africa, and Cape Town specifically, captivated me. The city stands as both a reminder of a painful past and a testament to resilience, activism, and ongoing societal transformation. I knew that studying in Cape Town would mean engaging directly with its history: visiting Robben Island, learning about apartheid and its lasting effects, and seeing how modern South Africa continues to navigate questions of equity, identity, and justice. 

Ultimately, choosing to study abroad in Cape Town wasn’t just about the location, it was about the kind of growth I knew the city would call me to. Cape Town is beautiful, vibrant, challenging, and deeply layered. It’s a place where the environment inspires reflection, the culture encourages connection, and the history demands awareness.

What impacted my decision to study abroad was the desire to learn in a way I never had before, pushing beyond the edges of what I know and stepping into a place that would transform me. Cape Town, with the support of IES Abroad, felt like the perfect place to do that.