Studying abroad at the University of Cape Town has taught me that even the most ordinary days can feel transformative. My mornings start slowly around 9 a.m., which a big shift from my busier life at GW. I make a quick breakfast, get ready, and enjoy the 15-minute walk to campus for my first class at 11. The walk to campus, with the mountains in the background and the energy of the city around me, has become a daily reminder of how lucky I am to be here.
One of the biggest surprises has been the rhythm of academics. Classes at UCT are only 45 minutes long and meet 3-5 times per week, compared to the 75-minute lectures I’m used to in D.C. While shorter, they’re still intense, thought-provoking, and push me to engage with the material in new ways. After my first class, I’ll usually head back to my room for lunch and a chance to catch up on work before my afternoon classes at 2 and 3. By 3:45, I’m done for the day. I truly appreciate that I have a schedule that leaves me with space to not just study, but to experience Cape Town itself.
I try to use those afternoons intentionally. Sometimes that means going to the beach with friends, other times settling into a café with my laptop, but the goal is always to balance productivity with exploration. Each outing feels like a small way of embracing life here, whether it’s connecting with classmates outside of lectures or just sitting somewhere new and taking in the city.
In the evenings, I’ll make dinner, spend time with friends, and reflect on the day. It’s in those quiet moments that I realize how much I’m growing not just as a student, but as a person learning to adapt to new rhythms, cultures, and ways of life. My days at UCT are not always extraordinary in structure, but they are extraordinary in what they’re teaching me. I’ve learned that studying abroad isn’t just about the big adventures, but about how everyday routines shape your perspective and deepen your connection to a new place.
Skylar Parris
Fall 2025
CIEE - Arts & Sciences in Cape Town
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major