Inspired by her parents’ courage to start a new life in a new country, UAB student Keziah Karani has always understood the value of stepping into the unfamiliar. When the opportunity came to study abroad in South Africa,
she saw it as a chance to challenge herself, experience a new culture and create memories that would last beyond her college years.
What began as a desire to travel and experience a different lifestyle became an opportunity for growth, connection and discovery.
What inspired you to study abroad, and what made you decide to take the leap?
I have always wanted to study abroad and knew it was something I wanted to experience at some point during college. My parents started a new life in a new country, knowing little to nothing about it, and I’ve always admired the courage it took to take that step, so their experience inspired me to want to do something similar in my own way. What ultimately made me take the leap was my desire to travel more, immerse myself in new cultures, and experience a lifestyle different from what I’ve always known. I wanted to challenge myself, step outside of my comfort zone, and create an experience that would stay with me long after college.
Why did you choose this particular program?
I had a list of a few places I was considering studying abroad at, and funny enough South Africa wasn't even on this list. I came across a video online, then I started doing more research on my own, and I knew this was the program for me. I also knew I wanted to attend a university at whatever location I chose, and I wanted independence as well. The affiliate program through World Strides did just that, and I was very happy with the route I went on.
What was your first impression when you arrived?
My first impression was how surrounded by mountains we were. I knew about the iconic Table Mountain, but I didn’t realize there would be so many others as well, with very unique names. You could see mountains from pretty much everywhere, and it was absolutely beautiful. I really loved it.
What was the most memorable moment of your experience?
One of the most memorable parts of my experience was the overnight safari trip to Aquila Game Reserve. It was so much fun getting to spend time with everyone in the program while being surrounded by such a beautiful landscape. Seeing the animals during sunset and sunrise was definitely a highlight, and all of the other activities we got to do there made the trip even more enjoyable.
Another memorable part of my time in South Africa was First Thursdays. It was an event that happened on the first Thursday of every month, where vendors showcased their art, clothing, music, culture, food, drinks, and so much more. The event went from day into night, and there was always something happening. It was such a fun way to experience the local culture, spend time with friends and meet new ones.
How has living in another country changed the way you see the world or understand other cultures?
My experience abroad made me embrace my own culture even more than I had before. I also carry parts of South African culture with me in my everyday life. For example, my music taste has expanded because of the influence of the music I was exposed to while I was there. The experience made me realize how much we all have in common, no matter where we come from. If there is a sense of open-mindedness and a genuine desire to learn, that's how people connect. When one person is open to learning about another person’s culture and lifestyle, that exchange can be so beautiful and eye-opening.
Lastly, being able to have another understanding of things simply because of experience is something that cannot always be taught. A lot of growth happened in this area, and stepping outside of my comfort zone allowed this to happen.
