Study abroad goes by fast. I swear I just arrived here, but somehow I’m already two thirds of the way through my program. It’s easy to let it all feel like a blur. I’ve found it helps to slow down and soak in the tiny things. Sights, sounds, smells, and tastes I encounter make this experience truly immersive and memorable.
One of the most unique experiences I’ve had here so far is a one-week stay in a rural Zulu town called Dokodweni. I stayed with a couple who had a home in a lush valley overlooking the Indian Ocean. During this week, what I remember most vividly was the environment in which I stayed. As we drove in, the sweet smell of sugarcane crops wafted into the car. That first night, I fell asleep to the pitter-patter of rain on the tin roof. Soft pink sunsets accompanied dinners as I indulged in savory beef cooked on an outdoor fire. Each morning, my quads burned as I hiked to the nearest road for pickup. At the top of the hill, I would bask in the salty ocean breeze to cool down. It was an extraordinary experience.
My most vivid memories come from one free afternoon in Dokodweni when my friends and I walked to the beach. “Walk” is a gentle word; it took nearly an hour and a half. We traipsed across rocky dirt roads, slid down sandy dunes, and wandered through whimsical, tree-lined paths. Along the way, we passed by herds of grazing cattle. Once we finally emerged at the beach, I was relieved to plop down onto my beach towel and rest in the warm sand. What a journey!
Study abroad memories last because of all that you experience, with every one of your senses, at every moment. Someday I may forget the exact route to that beach (assuming I ever learned it), but I’ll always remember the sights, sounds, and feelings that created the thrill and adventure of this rural homestay.
Elise Bourmatnov
Fall 2024
SIT - International Relations in the Global South in South Africa (Durban)
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major