Monday February 2nd 2009

Today was part 1 of UKZN’s registration process. It was only for international students, so it was interesting to meet everyone and hear their reasons for travel. I met one kid from Plattsburgh, New York – which was a very strange. Most of the international students were from Zimbabwe. They’re here because their country is in such turmoil, and everything has gone out of business. They cannot find food, shelter or water. All grocery stores are closed and the Universities are shut down. I knew about situation in Zimbabwe, but I had no idea it was that bad. To come to South Africa, they had to leave behind their families, friends, home, etc. I don’t know if it was the same for others – but I felt very bad telling everyone my reasons for traveling to South Africa. After their stories of being refugees and leaving their families behind, it was very hard for me to say my reason for travel was because, “I’ve always wanted to come here”. It made me really reexamine my lifestyle and choices.

We also had a meeting today with our independent studies professor. He explained to us that we’d have 3 internships. One is working with a Christian Organization, another is working with AIDS orphans, and another with the government on distributing info on the AIDS crisis. This should be a good experience, and I’m really looking foreword to it.