What are your expectations on this trip? Talk about what you are hoping to experience, what you would like to see, and how you expect to feel. What do you think will be your biggest challenge while in Cape Town?
Bryan
I’m not sure what to expect in Dubai. I know its more liberal from most middle-eastern cultures but I’m curious to see what the people are like in person. I’m also curious what the city is like, and I’m excited to experience a bit of the culture and sights, even if it is for a very short term.
I think the biggest challenge I will have in Cape Town is navigation. As English is the predominant language, the not having a map is the most likely issue I’ll have. Luckily, however, we have a local on our team!
Kristin
My expectations for this trip are to experience south African culture and how the apartheid has affected its history and the present. We hear about Nelson Mandela in the US, so I am interested to see how celebrated he is down in Cape Town. South Africa is considered a third world country, so I am interested in the differences that we will see when comparing the daily lives of South Africans to Americans. I expect this to be different in the non-touristy places – especially the Townships. I would like to see differences. I think it will broaden my personal cultural awareness – especially when comparing South Africans lives with my own in the USA.
The biggest challenge I expect to experience in Cape Town is the water crisis. In the USA, we have never had to consciously conserve water and we use a lot of it. I think that it will be challenging to remain mindful of the amount of water I will be using for the first few days.
Nick
My expectations for this trip are to experience something that AI never have, and likely never again will experience. I am interested to see the wildlife of the country as well as the social categorization or separation, if there is any. I hope to experience cultural traditions that are unfamiliar to me. I expect to feel like a sponge and like a foreigner. I am excited to feel like an outsider or someone who is different and stands out.
Leni
My expectations on this trip are to get out of my comfort zone and to experience new and exciting things. I expect to have new interactions with people from different cultures and ethnicities. I hope we get to experience the lifestyle and flavors of the various cultures we will be experiencing. I would like to see the amazing architecture in Dubai as well as the breathtaking beauty of South Africa. I expect to feel uncomfortable because I will not be used to the different cultures or locales, but in order to learn, one must step outside of their comfort zone!
Justin
In this trip, out of all the school trips that I have been on, I feel a bit nervous. A lot of it has to do with my status as a green card holder and also how most of my family did not support this trip because both Dubai and Africa are seen in a negative way. I am really looking forward to culture and experiencing traditions. Many ways, it’s also a great opportunity to learn customs and different ways of communication.
One of the hardest things about communication with individuals from a different country is that it could be verbal and nonverbal and we usually experience this and learn it in the moment, and it’s really hard to study without actually experiencing it.
I’m looking forward to learning more about the different cultural values and the way they communicate. Also, nonverbal communication and how their culture and values is applied through that.
Adding on looking at the schedule for the whole week! I’m really looking forward to knowing more about Nelson Mandela. He has done a lot of great work and like Dr. King, he has changed South Africa for the better. As a student who works at the Center for Diversity and Social Justice, it’s always my interest to know about the people who make a great impact in their country. Nelson is one of those individuals who was willing to go to jail for the rights of many and to end a segregated South Africa.
The biggest challenge I think would be stepping out of my comfort zone. I’m prone to overthink or to let fear get in the way of trying something new. My hope is to be able to push myself and to be ok with being uncomfortable. Also, I’m sick, so that’s a big bummer L
Javier
My expectations are whoever I meet with in this trip, I hope to learn a lesson and experience what they have encountered within their lives. I hope to become a better leader for others and become a better version of myself. I hope to feel excitement within this whole trip and see everything - that’s what I’d like to see.
My biggest challenge in Cape Town would be understanding what’s truly going on there, and if I’m still seeing it as an American traveler since I’m only going to be there for a short time.
Jackson
My expectations for this trip is to come back with no energy left. I loved that we packed our schedule for our time here. Never a boring moment as this is my second Cross-Cultural Leadership Program trip. I expect to learn a whole new set of information. Africa and Dubai have always been places that I wanted to learn more about.
My biggest challenge will be that I am unfamiliar with a lot of the history of these locations. I am excited for the safari. I have always wanted to do one.