Something that I have been reflecting on has been my identity here while abroad. While I carry a U.S. passport, I identify more as Chicana than I do as American.

I’d like to tell you all a story with a sad start, but a happy ending - all about running. 

When I was eighteen years old, I was a hard-working high school student as well as an aspiring actress, singer, and dancer. I was stressed out over college applications and upcoming auditions. I was always on the move, but I could barely run farther than the one mile required for our school’s annual fitness test. 

About a month ago I finally turned 21 years old and am now considered full adult in the eyes of the law in both Europe and the United States. Even with this being true, three weeks following my birthday my parents showed up in Amsterdam to quickly remind me that age is but a number and that I will always be their youngest child.

I’m sitting in the Charles de Gaulle airport after a 5am car share out of Nantes because all of the trains were shut down due to the strikes (again). My flight doesn’t leave until 8:10pm tonight, which you think would give me some time to reflect and review the semester. At the same time, though, I’m not ready to review, or to refer to the three months I spent in Nantes in the past tense.

A few weeks ago I wanted to take a trip to Kyoto the city famous for cherry blossoms, but my regular travel buddy was unable to walk long distances because of pain in her foot. My other friends weren’t keen on the idea of getting up at 4:30AM to try to beat some of the crowds and see as much as possible in a day. I was torn between rescheduling my trip for my friends, which meant missing the cherry blossoms or going on my own. Of course, I was hesitant.

I saw the sign.

Navigating homestay relations while on study abroad is a difficult task. While I am not staying long enough to be treated as another familial member, I am also expected to have more responsibilities than a passing guest.

15 more days left of this dream semester. I am at a loss for words honestly. I am actually kind sad sitting down to write this, but enthusiastic and sure of the fact that I will return here one day to live and work. I can't imagine my future without Italy in it. Here are just a few reasons why Milano has become my home:

My exams are over, my papers turned in, and with just one more week to go in the greatest city in the world, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on my time here. One of the things that excited me most about studying abroad back in January was travelling. Everybody I talked to advised me to take advantage of my time in Europe by visiting as many places as I possibly could.

What kind of student studies abroad here in Cape Town?

There's no exact answer to that question. The students on our program represent colleges and states across the U.S. and, I'm convinced, every major imaginable. Whatever your academic or personal interests are, I hope these quick introductions to some current IES Abroad Cape Town students help you recognize yourself & see what's possible living in South Africa!