Alumni Interview with Anna Kroeger

What inspired you to go abroad?

My family hosted exchange students from Brazil, Russia, and Italy while I was in high school. This early exposure to global perspectives motivated me to continue seeking cross-cultural experiences in college.

Why did you choose IES Abroad?

After I decided to go to Cape Town, I decided to go abroad with the program that had the closest relationship with my home University. The University of Iowa Study Abroad Office encouraged me to go ahead with IES, and I'm so happy I did!

What was your favorite part about Cape Town?

I can't decide between the people and the landscape. The people were warm, welcoming, and willing to discuss anything. Honest conversations were abundant, and no one shied away from difficult topics such as race or politics. The landscape was unbeatable. I've never experienced mountains, forests, beaches, and urban environments all in one city. I'm from a small town in Iowa (where the landscape is almost exclusively flat), and experiencing Cape Town rich environmental diversity was amazing.

What made your experience abroad unique?

IES Abroad gave us the opportunity to learn in many different environments. They supported us in enrolling in classes at the University of Cape Town, and also provided service learning courses to take at the center. Due to these varied opportunities, I was able to take a large variety of classes, as well as participate in community service.

How did local staff support you throughout your program?

Anything and everything we needed, they were there. They provided academic, medical, mental, and social support in all forms. The IES center was a place that felt like home, where you could go to study, talk, eat, or just relax. One example of their endless support can be found in my lowest point of the semester. I was at the top of Lion's Head Mountain at 7:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning after a sunrise hike, and I had sprained my ankle. We called the 24/7 emergency line, and the program director answered in seconds, helping us contact mountain rescue to be safely helped down the mountain.

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?

I wish I had made more of an effort to socialize outside of the American friend group I made. I made a couple local friends, but I definitely could have stepped out of my comfort zone a lot more.

Describe a typical day in the life of your program.

A typical day consisted of waking up, getting ready, and eating breakfast at the apartment IES provided, and then walking to campus for two to three classes. The walk/bus ride to campus usually took about 15-20 minutes. I often ate lunch on campus before taking a short bus ride to the IES center, where I met transportation to go to the organization where I completed my service hours for the IES service learning course. After being driven back to my apartment, I would often socialize with friends, do homework, or go sightseeing.

What did you enjoy doing in your free time?

My friends and I would often explore the city, go to the beach, attend shows, go hiking, go out to eat, visit museums, or just hang out at our apartment. There was an almost overwhelming number of options available in Cape Town to fill free time.

What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?

IES housed their students in one of two options: a shared house with other IES students, or an apartment-style student accommodation. I was in the apartment. It felt somewhat like a college dorm, as all residents were university students, and many were first-year students. The building itself was incredibly high-quality. My room was a single-person room with a bed, desk, bathroom, and small kitchenette. I liked that we each had our own space and did not have to share a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen.

What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?

Be open minded. Cape Town will be unlike any city you've ever been to in the US. The political and racial history of the country is complex and still affects the everyday lives of many people. Be sensitive to social issues, and remember to always listen before you speak, especially when you haven't personally experienced the issues and topics you're speaking about.

Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?

I interact with people in a completely different way compared to before my time abroad. I've learned that everyone has a unique opinion and perspective, and so much can be gained by listening to those of different backgrounds than your own. I am quick to listen and slow to argue, which is definitely not how I was before!

Would you recommend IES Abroad to others? Why?

Absolutely. IES was endlessly supportive. I spoke with other Americans studying in Cape Town who were there with different programs, and as far as I can tell, IES is more supportive of their students than any other program. They provide many (free!) field trips and excursions, many of which include cultural experiences that would be difficult to experience without their guidance.