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Jordan Sharp

AIFS Program: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Hello! My name is Jordan Sharp, and I am a junior at the University of Hartford. I am studying Integrated Elementary and Special Education, so a service learning program at a school was important when choosing my study abroad program. I want to be a teacher because I want to make a difference in my students’ lives, even if it is in a small way. At Stellenbosch University, I took the Learning, Sustainability, and Community Engagement course, which allowed me to teach at a township school each week. On the walk from the bus to the school, our students came up to us, smiling ear-to-ear, grabbing our hands and proudly escorting us into their school. It was about more than teaching them English, we built real relationships. The difference in language and culture forced me to confront my biases and engage in critical reflection, which fostered mutual learning and growth. Outside of class, I enjoyed hiking mountains, eating delicious food, meeting locals, going to markets, and much more. South Africa has a little bit of everything, which made each day a new adventure! I loved my time there, and I cannot wait to travel again! As an AIFS ambassador, I hope to share my experiences and help others plan an amazing semester abroad! “This is one corner… of one country, in one continent, on one planet that’s a corner of a galaxy that’s a corner of a universe that is forever growing and shrinking and creating and destroying and never remaining the same for a single millisecond. And there is so much, so much to see.” — The Doctor

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