Hi, I’m Eme, and I recently went on student exchange to Johannesburg (Jo’burg), South Africa. Flying solo for the first time from Heathrow to Jo’burg was both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. Luckily, I was seated next to a super friendly South African couple, Melinda and her husband. They were so kind. Melinda even offered me gummy bears, which made me feel way more at ease. We talked about life in South Africa, and as we started to descend, I was struck by the sight of rivers below, gleaming like silver snakes in the sunlight. When I pointed it out, Melinda smiled and said, “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Her words felt like an invitation to embrace everything that lay ahead.
When we landed, I stuck close to the couple since I wasn’t quite sure how to navigate the airport alone. We eventually parted ways at immigration, but encountered an elderly lady in my line that guided me through the immigration process. The warmth of these people made me feel welcomed in South Africa right from the start.
My host family—Emma, her sister Caity, and their parents, Natasha and Leon—were amazing. They made me feel right at home in their beautiful ranch-style house, which had the perfect mix of contemporary and Africance elements. My room had a pink wall and a great view of the pool. The cozy pool house quickly became one of my favorite hangouts. I also got to know their housekeeper, Niki, and instantly fell in love with their four dogs: Dotty, Teddy, Kyju, and Licorice.
Jet lag is a real thing! It hit me harder than I expected and I ended up crashing for a few hours as soon as I arrived. But after a couple of days, I started to settle in. The meals were different but good—breakfasts of Weet-Bix or Future Life cereal, lunches of fish strips and salad, and dinners with lamb or pork chops (which I really enjoyed). One thing I had to get used to was the water quality; we had to boil it before drinking, which was something new for me.
My first day at St. Stithians (Saints) on June 12th was a bit nerve-wracking. The uniform—blazer, tie, stockings—was so different from the casual dress code at the Athenian. It definitely made me feel like I was stepping into a whole new world. I shadowed Emma in her classes and I noticed that the atmosphere was more formal, with students calling teachers Sir or Ma’am and standing to greet them. Even though I was nervous, I started to get the hang of things, meeting other students and gradually expanding my circle beyond just Emma’s friends.
This experience was so much more than just going to school in another country. It was a chance to push myself out of my comfort zone and grow in ways I didn’t expect.
Adapting to a New Culture – Before I left, I was pretty worried about how I’d adapt to a new culture and a new place. But I was surprised by how welcoming everyone was—not just my host family, but also my teachers, restaurant staff, and the girls I met at Saints. It reminded me a bit of “Southern hospitality.”
As I traveled around South Africa, I noticed the big gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots.” There were lots of beggars on the streets, people waiting for work on street corners, and I saw many settlements where families built their homes bit by bit over the years. At first, these homes looked abandoned, but I soon realized that even though these families didn’t have much, they were living their lives just like we do. They woke up early, walked to work, greeted their neighbors, and had dinner with their families. It really opened my eyes to the idea that, even though we live differently, we’re all more alike than I thought.
Personal Growth – Over the two months I spent in Johannesburg, I made a real effort to talk to as many people as possible. At first, it was kind of scary to approach strangers, but the more I did it, the easier it became. I learned that stepping out of my shell wasn’t as hard as I thought, and most people I met were really friendly and kind.
Volunteering and Memorable Moments – During my last week, while Emma was busy with exams, I spent a few days volunteering at Hearts of Hope, a children’s home. I helped prepare food and organize activities for the kids. It was inspiring to see how dedicated the “house mothers” were to giving these kids a loving home. It showed me just how important community is when it comes to making a difference in people’s lives.
Saying Goodbye – One of the hardest things I had to do on exchange was to say goodbye to all the friends I made along the way, which at this point, had become family. For the last week or so, I was in a state of unceasing dread, not wanting to have to give my last hugs and I love yous to so many people I care about. One aspect that helped me cope was having my friends write letters to me on a South African flag to take home. It’s a symbol of the love I am immersed in, and even though I’ve left the country, the love will never leave.
Coincidentally, the day I said goodbye to my friends was the day I had to say goodbye to my grandpa, Gong Gong. He was not doing well in the hospital and he was ready to go. After his passing, I was wondering why I have to part with the people I adore most. That’s when I realized exchange was not only meant to teach me how to mentally push myself, but also how to let go. One of the purposes of exchange was to learn how to let go peacefully, without resentment that these people won’t physically be here to experience the rest of my life by my side, and to appreciate the small moments we had together.
Conclusion – Being in South Africa for two months was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll never forget. It was a chance to grow, see the world from a different perspective, and gain independence. If you’re thinking about doing an exchange, go for it! My advice is to go in with a completely open mind and to give yourself grace when immersed in a new culture. It’s a leap of faith, but it’s an invaluable opportunity to experience change and growth in ways you never thought possible.
The Athenian School Exchange Blog 