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Travel Report: University of ����ʪ exchange (Fall 2013)

During my second year BA Psychology studies at University of the Western Cape (UWC), I was privileged to exchange my second semester studies (July – Dec 2013), to study at the prestigious University of ����ʪ (MU). This was an incredible experience and a highlight in my life.

I applied for the Henry Mitchell Fellowship in March 2013, after receiving an email invitation to interested students. I met all the pre-selection criteria and believed the chance to study at an internationally acclaimed university would be a great developmental opportunity. As a sophomore student doing majors in psychology and philosophy, I chose the beautiful campus of Mizzou in Columbia, which is situated in a botanical garden. (MU has four campuses in four different cities.) Further to the initial factors for me choosing MU is that it is a leading university in America and a highly recognized English speaking institution.

Campus of Mizzou

I was convinced that I wanted to do it and I believed that I was ready for it. I realized from the beginning that this will be a huge project and therefore I decided to take it step by step. After I submitted my application, I was delighted to be invited for an interview; which was the next step in the process. I wanted it so badly that I gave my best effort to the interview. This was going to be my first interview ever and it was in front of a panel of people, some whom I had never met before, however this is a good way to determine the final selection of students. I had to convince them that I would make a success of this opportunity. I did a lot of research on America and MU. I think that it is important that you familiarize yourself with the history, culture and some traditions of the foreign place that you visit. Although it was stressful, I had the opportunity to share my aspirations with the panel and I was very excited to be awarded the Henry Mitchell Fellowship in April 2013. And, for MU, the university of my choice! Now all the preparations for the trip could begin. All the staff at the International Centre at UWC were very friendly and helpful in answering all my related questions and explaining the process. Ms. Debra Lamson worked with my application.

There were a good number of administrative complexities to sort out. I had to complete various forms, apply for a passport, VISA, travel insurance and the most complex part – to get the content of subjects (topics and credits), that I would’ve taken at UWC to match with what I planned to take at MU. This also became the most difficult part of my academic enrollment when I registered at MU. There is a difference in how the two universities worked out tuition credits. Ms. Lamson and Ms. Collette Schroeder from the Faculty of Arts at UWC did a great deal to ensure that everything was approved. Mr. David Currey, Assistant Director of the MU International Center and Director of International Student & Scholar Services, who worked directly with my application, also was of great assistance with this. I experienced the time, from initial acceptance until my departure, like a roller coaster: first very slow and then suddenly flying at full speed. In the few months leading up to my departure there was little exchange of information but two weeks before departure, everything started to happen. My advice to future applicants is to prepare for that very busy time and avail themselves for any administrative requirements during those last few hectic days. One week before my orientation in Columbia was due, my flight was booked, my VISA was issued, travel insurance was taken out, foreign exchange arranged, shuttles booked and all my lecturers gave written input to the various subjects of the two universities. Everything worked out miraculously well and on the 12th of August 2013 I was off to the US of A! It was comforting to be on the same flight with a post-graduate student, Monique, who also went to the same campus for further studies.

It is a long flight, crossing 6 time zones. Late on the 13th of August I arrived at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, ����ʪ. I was booked on a MO-X shuttle but, because my last flight was delayed I missed it. There was a very friendly lady at the airport who assisted me but I was very impressed to realize that Mr Currey was keeping track of my arrival and whereabouts and he arranged that I could take the next shuttle leaving an hour later. I arrived 11PM that night in Columbia, ����ʪ. Mr. Currey was so hospitable to pick me up directly at the bus stop, to ensure that I wouldn’t miss the residence hall’s closing time. He also called them to let them know I was on my way. (He was absolutely key in ensuring that my entire stay at MU went as smoothly as possible – which I appreciated very much.) That night I slept in room 3280A of the Defoe-Graham residence hall; without a pillow nor anybody around; yet so relieved for a safe arrival. The next morning, orientation was scheduled to start.

I woke up the next day without any clue where I was on campus. I knew that I needed to find Memorial Union, where the International Student Orientation was supposed to start. A friendly RA member of Defoe-Graham, Paul, quickly gave me directions. I experienced in general, that people in America would be friendly and willing to assist with anything. In a short time I knew where my classes were, how both the laundry and the dining halls operates, etc.

The orientation was a blast. Everything was carefully structured into a fun-filled, but still extremely informative 3 day program. There were lectures on how to adjust to American culture, shopping trips to Target and Walmart, tours around campus as well as sessions to help us register for classes, and of course to top it all – the picnic at the lake. I thank the whole MU international staff and volunteers for helping each of us “freshman” to take everything in and to adjust well and make friends without feeling too overwhelmed or confused.

Sport supplies and playing football (soccer)

A few days before classes started, all the Americans started moving into the dorms. When I came back from one of the last orientation sessions, my roommate, Joey, had moved in. He brought a fridge, TV, Xbox, and food supplies which he generously shared with me. What a nice guy! Next-door neighbors Zack and Brad were also very friendly and I became really good friends with them. The four of us decided to go to a local shopping mall to buy some sport supplies. We bought table tennis rackets and balls, volleyball, American football, and a football (soccer ball). We enjoyed many sport games together, sometimes late into the night under the flood lights. I enjoyed playing Frisbee and ultimate Frisbee too (playing American football with a Frisbee). My roommate and I also used to play soccer a lot on the gigantic Stankowski sports field. This participation in sport created more opportunity for social interaction and for building new relationships. It was wonderful.

My comfortable bedroom in Defoe-Graham residence

I was determined to do well academically but was nervous when I wanted to register and I discovered that my selected subjects did not comply with what UWC required. There are many options of subjects to take, but the credits and topics were different. Since different universities work differently, it means you will never get subjects to match 100%; it needs interpretation. I didn’t want to register for anything that might not be recognized when I return to UWC causing me to repeat second year subjects. Once again Mr. Currey assisted, as well as both Prof Uphoff and Ms. Lamson. Great news came when Ms. Schroeder (from UWC) confirmed that she has worked through all my subjects and has formally got all my subjects signed off as compliant to UWC requirements. She did this in a record time and it was a great relief.

I registered for 3 traditional classes

• Psychology (Abnormal Psychology)
• Philosophy (Human Nature)
• Philosophy (Ancient Western)

I really enjoyed every class and experienced each one to be unique. The lecturers were knowledgeable and hosted interesting discussions. The format of lecturing is in many ways similar to what I am used to at UWC and it wasn’t difficult at all to adapt.

For my fourth subject I selected a laboratory class, where I was part of a research team on a clinical study. I got in at the Alcohol Cognitions Psychology Lab, which studied the effect alcohol has on human behavioral performances.

The lab was really interesting and I acquired valuable experience. I am grateful to Dr. McCarthy who allowed me the opportunity to become part of his team. I started off by learning the ropes doing data-checking. Later on I was involved in two different clinical studies that try to determine how alcohol influences human behavior. Under the guidance of several staff members whom were always friendly and helpful, I learned so much about doing clinical studies; and I didn’t mind working several Saturdays. I have many good memories of the lab such as participants who fell asleep while doing their tests; or the one guy who got so “involved” that he got louder and happier as the experiment continued!

I engaged in many activities that MU arranged and I also attended church. During my stay, I utilized opportunities to explore the country. When the International Office announced that they were arranging an excursion to Kansas City to see the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art as well as to attend the annual Renaissance Fair, I immediately signed up. And I had a fun time. The Renaissance was one of the coolest things I’ve experienced. There were sword fighters, dancers, jousting, people singing, telling stories and making jokes; all in a theme of the traditional Renaissance period. There were many little stores that sold all kinds of different things from steak burgers to whole turkey legs. And while I was enjoying it, everybody around me was also having a good time. It was an immersive experience.

Renaissance fair – jousting and sword fighting/fencing

My friend and next-door neighbor Brad invited me to his home in Chesterfield, close to St. Louis, ����ʪ. I gladly accepted his offer. During Thanksgiving break I was fortunate to stay with him and experience a traditional Thanksgiving feast with a big turkey and Brad’s whole family. The dinner was held at his aunt’s lake house in Springfield, Illinois.

 Lake house in Springfield, Illinois

Apart from all the eating and festive jollification, there was also the annual football match to be played. It was my first informal American football match. Because I followed some matches a bit and attended one of Mizzou’s early home football matches, I got on pretty quick and scored two touchdowns! This was an enjoyable day and a great way to experience American culture. During this time Brad and his friend took me on a ride on the Metro, took me to the Arch in St. Louis, Hard Rock Café, as well as on the Busch baseball stadium tour. I really appreciated it and enjoy every minute of all these wonderful things I experienced.

Dinner at Prof and Mrs Uphoff

Close to the end of my stay, while preparing for the final exams I was very happy to be informed that I didn’t need to write finals in two subjects because I achieved an “A” symbol for all assessments during the semester. That was something new to me that you could get off from an exam due to high marks and it took a lot of pressure off me. My lab class didn’t require a final and I therefore had one exam to focus on. It was tough and hard work but it went very well. The day I wrote the final was also the day I was leaving for St. Louis again, before my flight back to South Africa. Brad, I and a couple of my closest friends went to a restaurant, The Heidelburg, the night before to say goodbye. In this last week I also greeted, thanked, and said goodbye to my lecturers, Prof Uphoff, Mr. Currey and the friendly staff at the International Office. After my exam, as I started checking out of the dorm, I realized how much I was going to miss my room, my newly made friends, and the university. A few friends helped me to check out and carry everything outside. I thanked my roommate for everything and I gave my pillows, blankets and my study lamp to the RA, Fares, on my floor. And so my wonderful and remarkable experience in Columbia came to an end.

Weather conditions by the time I left MU: -10 degrees even while the sun shines!

I was invited to stay with Brad and his family again for the next few days until my return flight. It was really cold in St. Louis and there was quite a lot of snow. As snow is not common in South Africa, I was fascinated by it.

First day of snow in Columbia

We went to see a few more tourist attractions and Brad, I and a couple of friends went to watch an ice-hockey game where the St. Louis Blues beat the Toronto Maple Leafs from Canada, 6-2.

Attending my first ice-hockey game

On Sunday the 15th of December my incredible journey in America came to an end. Brad and his dad dropped me off at the airport and I started my long journey back. Everything went smoothly and although my flight from Chicago to Heathrow was delayed, I didn’t miss any connecting flights. I also got to celebrate my 20th birthday on the plane!

On the 17th of December 2013 I arrived in the beautiful country of South Africa at a sunny Cape Town Airport. After experiencing basically all 4 seasons in America, capping it off with snow, I was back in warm summer. At International Arrivals I raced through all the lines and counters to meet my parents and 14 year old sister. I missed them all so much and was very glad to see them. It was also nice to get that same day a welcome back note from Ms. Lamson. She is so well experienced with this that all her hard work, efforts and support almost look so easy. I am truly grateful to her.

Arriving at Cape Town international airport; back at home.

Finances: Although the fellowship covered all my tuition fees, part of the boarding cost and meals, it is important that you prepare yourself for paying the rest of the balance of the boarding and living expenses, insurance and spending money. Spending money is mainly for buying things for your room, doing laundry, attending sport events or excursions and when going out with other students. I am also grateful for the costs covered by UWC such as the flight ticket and money towards books, tax and general expenses.

January 2014 – My results from MU arrived and Ms Lamson “pretended” to be worried when handing me the couriered envelope, but it was all smiles when I discovered I passed all my subjects with a distinction!

The other staff at the International Exchange office that all contributed to my success. I hosted a light finger lunch to thank them.

I am so grateful for this wonderful experience and the opportunity given to me. Many thanks to all the people involved in making this possible (my parents and family, UWC, MU, and all individuals) and for all the support.

All the honor and glory to GOD.