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M. Kate Grabowski

Student Profile

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M. Kate Grabowski

University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, Fall 2003
Microbiology Major, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Minor

I decided to study abroad because it is something I have wanted to do since early on in high school. I always felt that it was important to have an international experience, and I really wanted to have some sort of cultural experience that was unique from my own.

My program choice was made my freshman year, and my reasons for choosing that program at the time were not profound. I wanted a program in a country that was English speaking, however, I did not want the typical study abroad experience in England or Australia, where the cultures are very similar to that of our own. I came across Cape Town's program on a brochure, and it struck a strange chord with me. The moment I saw it I knew that was where I was going. I knew very little about the country or the culture, but I knew it would be different and would be an adventure.

The biggest thing I gained from the experience is the direction of my life. Before I studied abroad, I was getting extremely anxious about my choice of major. Although I loved microbiology, I did not want to pursue a medical degree, and I couldn't see myself as a hard scientist working in a laboratory for the rest of my life. While in South Africa, I realized that prevention of disease, more so than medicine (due to access and affordability), is much more important in saving lives in developing countries. Thus, I became drawn to public health, particularly infectious disease epidemiology. I'm pursuing a Master of Health Science in infectious epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University starting fall 2005 as a result of my experiences abroad. Study abroad really afforded me the opportunity to witness the more human side of science and of medicine. In addition, I learned how to interact with people of all races and cultures, and I made amazing friends with whom I still keep in touch to this day. Study abroad was clearly a life-defining experience for me.

My classes abroad were all taught in English. The University of Cape Town is a direct enrollment program, so I took the regular classes offered by the University of Cape Town with other South African students. I personally feel direct enrollment programs are a more enriching experience, because you get the full effect of what it is like to not only live in another country but to be educated in one. I took two science courses, Biochemistry 402 and Physics 251. There is no such thing as multiple choice so it was a little bit more difficult, but manageable. I also took a course on South African contemporary politics and development issues in developing countries. Overall, the quality and difficulty of the coursework was relatively comparable to courses at Penn State.

Some interesting things I did during my time in South Africa include:

- Volunteering as a tutor in an impoverished township on the outskirts of Cape Town.
- Staying at the home of an underprivileged family in a township.
- Kayaking off the South African coast in a whale sanctuary.
- Rafting on the Orange River and staying at a winery.
- Spending my weekends relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Cape Town.
- Playing for the Women's soccer team at the University of Cape Town.
- Whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River.
- Spending three days in the Okavanga Delta Region of Botswana (part of a safari).
- Backpacking to Mozambique and staying at the most beautiful beach hostel I'd ever seen.

My comments for science students considering studying abroad are to plan early, choose a program that really suits you, and don't be afraid when making your choices. Please don't feel you need to go the route already traveled. You can do anything if you set your mind to it, and there is a program out there for everyone. Study abroad was the best experience I had at Penn State, and I think it is almost impossible to not value the experience after your return. Lastly, do not worry about graduating in four years. It is possible! I DID IT!