My experience in Cape Town is something I would never trade. I had a better time there than I could have imagined. I was able to work side by side with doctors who were very willing to teach me anything and everything. There was a lot of medical students as well, which just showed how great a teaching environment the hospital had. There was some great hands on experience as well as plenty of time to observe. Even if nothing too exciting was going on in the hospital, someone was always willing to help us find something new and interesting to see. I liked learning about the differences between government hospitals and private hospitals and comparing them to ones back home. Going to a different continent on my own was a new adventure for me. I was a bit nervous. But Connect-123 provides a great way to meet people, and I made friends in no time; because after all, most everyone is in the same boat. We all were excited to explore a new place and squeeze as much fun as we could in the short time we had. I was able to travel around on the weekends and see and do things I don't get to see at home in Iowa. I bungee-jumped of the highest bungee in the world; I visited the southern most tip of Africa where two oceans meet; I saw penguins; climbed mountains and watch the sunset AND sunrise. The scenery in South Africa is absolutely stunning. There were definitely challenges along the way and I really learned to get out of my comfort zone and see what kind of person I can be when thrown into a whole new way of life. I can't wait until I have another chance to get to travel abroad!