At Susquehanna University, the Global Opportunities program on campus helps students go abroad for as short as 2 weeks to as long as an entire semester. In order to graduate, all students must go abroad. Before the trips, there's always a 7-week prep course that is taught by the faculty members going on the trip. For the students going abroad this summer or the upcoming fall semester, the prep course starts on the 22nd.

I'm going Short to South Africa in May. This trip is designated to Creative Writing majors, however it is not limited to Creative Writing majors. By the end of the trip, we'll have written a travel essay based on an experience from an immersion during the trip. I've never been more thrilled about anything in my life. Here's why I'm looking forward to my GO class and trip.

1. Leaving the country

I just recently got a passport. I have never even left the East Coast, let alone the country. Nothing but good, exciting vibes towards this!!

2. Flying

I have never flown, and by the time I go to Africa and return, I will have flown over 3 times. Despite the fact that I have a fear of heights, I'm excited for this new experience.

3. Weather

I'll be in South Africa for about 3 weeks, starting at the end of May into mid-June. I imagine it'll be super hot, but it'll be a great way to kick off the summer!

4. Cultural Immersion

For about six days during the trip, I will do an immersion in a poverty-driven culture in Bulungula, South Africa. We will stay in mud hut villages and do a homestay, whichever is more accessible during the trip, or both. Here is where we will immerse ourselves in their lifestyle and maybe herd cows and goats, help with harvesting, or collect firewood. There will also be time to hike, kayak, and ride horses. I'm really looking forward to this because cultures that differ from my own are intriguing. I'm especially looking forward to bathing in a water basin and being hairy-legged for a few days. :)

5. Elephants!!!!

One aspect of our itinerary that I think is really cool is that we'll be going to a national park called Addo Elephant Park, where we will have an open vehicle game drive to observe the wildlife. I've never done anything remotely like this before and I can't wait to cross it off my bucket list!

6. Penguins!!

Towards the end of our trip, we'll be going to Chapmans Peak Drive and Boulders beach where there's with a penguin colony. The only times I've ever seen penguins were when I saw March of Penguins in theaters and when I've gone to a zoo. Plus, when do you expect to find penguins on a beach??

7. Cape Town

We'll spend some tourist-y time in Cape Town before we head home. Here's probably where we'll do some haggling with sellers at markets and sightseeing. We'll learn about a historic Muslim community and get to know the community of Cape Town. I'm excited to see the colorful buildings and do some shopping!!

8. Leisure Time

There's more of this than I thought during the trip. During this free time, a few of the other girls going on the trip and I planned to get matching elephant tattoos at some point during the trip -- if possible.

In sum, I'm ecstatic to be going on this trip and I'm always trying to find ways to talk about it. I have a feeling this trip is going to change both me and my life for the better and I cannot wait.