South Africa: Nashia Ogbuagu
Program: University of Cape Town Exchange, Semester
Nashia’s Major: Marketing, Supply Chain & Management, Operation & Tech Management
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
The most noticeable difference for me was that UCT has 45-minute classes for 3, 4, or 5 days a week whereas UW-Madison has 75-minute classes two days a week. Each class at UCT also has a Class Rep, which is a student who is selected to be the voice for the rest of the students. For example, if multiple people feel they need an extension on an assignment, they will tell the Class Rep and the Class Rep will inform the lecturer rather than each of those individual students telling the lecturer themselves. Moreover, a huge difference for me was that there were far fewer assignments but each one accounted for a large portion of the final grade. On the topic of grading, multiple people grade each student’s assignments. To avoid bias, each student’s assignment is graded not only by your tutor (or TA) but also by the lecturer, the course convener, and others.
After making a connection with one person, it was easy to form a web of people I could go out with to form new experiences.
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
Compared to CIEE or IES-led Study Abroad Programs, the University of Cape Town Exchange was more self-led. So, we did not have people to organize a large number of excursions or outings. While not impossible to do these things on your own, it was not as easy as having people arrange it for you. Additionally, it was difficult to meet people in the beginning and I felt a bit isolated. Soon after, I put myself out there and began to make friends. After making a connection with one person, it was easy to form a web of people I could go out with to form new experiences.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
First and foremost, I would say to relax. Initially, I was super anxious about dangers and whatnot and though you should be cautious, as time went on I felt safe and calm. Secondly, try your best to form lasting relationships with people you meet. Whether it be a friendship, academic, or professional, talk to and hang out with them as frequently as possible, so that you can not only become more comfortable with Cape Town but create a network of people who care for you across the globe. Moreover, be wholly immersed and breathe freely while you are there and try not to worry about the past but rather, what is yet to come.