This past fall semester our fellow Ouachitonian, junior business major from Russellville, Ark., Seth Bubbus, continued with his business studies abroad at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
Bubbus was advised by older people in his life to travel as much as possible in college. That seemed to be the biggest regret of everyone he talked to.
“This advice, partnered with advice from Ian Cosh, and already having a love for Africa pushed me towards studying abroad in South Africa.” Bubbus said.
However, there were a few things that Bubbus wished he had known.
“The people you spend your time with definitely shape your whole experience.”
At the beginning of the trip he found himself with people that he didn’t have much in common with. He didn’t truly enjoy himself until he began spending time with the locals that he had similar interests with. He doesn’t suggest only spending time with only people that think the same way as you but says it’s important to, “find the right people on your study abroad experience.”
Not only are the people a big part of the experience when studying abroad, but the atmosphere is important as well. Compared to Ouachita, the University of Cape Town has 30,000 students.
“There were many different groups on campus that ranged from religious groups to wine tasting groups,” Bubbus says. “There wasn’t a focal point that brought a large group of students together.”
The percentage of Christians here at Ouachita is much higher than that at the University of Cape Town. That’s what Bubbus missed the most about Ouachita. Here students are brought together for the sake of Christ and making him known, and he missed the many different outlets that Ouachita provides to do just that.
Overall, Bubbus’ study abroad experience is one he will never forget.
“My favorite memory from Cape Town would have to be jumping off the world’s highest bungee jump.”
While he says that Cape Town is 
hands down the most beautiful place he has been to, he would like to travel somewhere else before he returns, but Bubbus suggests that everyone who can should take the leap and study abroad.
“I would tell anyone who has even a slight thought to study abroad to just go for it,” Bubbus said. “Don’t let any fears or preconceived notions keep you from studying abroad.”
