Exploring the world, expanding perspective – Iowa State University

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A group of Iowa State University students traded their winter break for a global learning experience in South Africa – one designed to push them outside of their comfort zones and expand how they see the world. 
The 10-day study abroad trip, which took place Jan. 3-14, was organized through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and brought together students from the STEM Scholars Program and BOLD Learning Community. 
Corey Welch, director of STEM Scholars, and Arnold Woods, director of Student Leadership Initiatives and BOLD, said the trip was created to give students academic and personal growth opportunities. 
“We wanted to give students leadership skills in a different environment,” Welch said. “It’s about problem-solving, experiencing a new culture, and seeing how it connects to what they already know.” 
STEM Scholars supports students pursuing careers in science, including pre-med and graduate school pathways, while BOLD focuses on leadership development and campus involvement. The trip combined both missions by offering a hands-on, high-impact experience abroad.  
South Africa was chosen in part because Iowa State is looking to expand study abroad programs beyond Europe and South America. 
Students prepared for the trip through a course in the fall where they studied South African history, politics, and culture. Once in Cape Town, learning continued through daily activities and reflection. 
During the trip, students visited museums, cultural centers, and historic landmarks while also exploring the region’s natural environment. 
One of the most impactful experiences was visiting Robben Island, where former South African President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Students toured the prison with a former inmate, who shared firsthand stories of life under apartheid. 
“That experience really stood out,” Woods said. “Students were able to connect history to real people and reflect on how it relates to issues today.” 
Students also visited Table Mountain, a national park overlooking Cape Town, and explored a unique ecosystem native to the region. Other activities included visiting markets, trying local food, and learning about South Africa’s diverse communities. 
For many students, the trip marked major firsts. 
“We had students who had never been on a plane before,” Welch said. “Then suddenly they are traveling across the world. That alone changes your perspective.” 
Ethen Santana, a senior studying computer science, said arriving at Cape Town was unforgettable. 
“The first view of Cape Town from the plane was breathtaking,” Santana said. “It made me even more excited to explore the city and its history.” 
For students, the experience went beyond academics. Many said it changed how they viewed the world and their place in it. 
Santana said visiting Robben Island helped him better understand the realities of apartheid and its lasting effects. 
“Hearing stories from a former prisoner made everything feel real,” he said. 
Jensin McMickle, a junior studying political science, said the experience was directly connected to her academic interests. 
“As a political science major and anthropology minor, this trip aligned perfectly with what I am studying,” McMickle said. “But nothing compares to experiencing it in person.” 
Both students said the opportunity felt out of reach at first but became possible through scholarships and program support. 
“A lot of students think studying abroad is not possible for them,” Woods said. “But there are resources and support systems to make it happen.” 
Welch and Woods hope to continue offering similar programs in the future, with plans to hold the trip every other year and build partnerships with institutions like the University of Cape Town. 
Beyond the travel experience, they said the goal is to help students grow into confident leaders. 
“One of the biggest takeaways is learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Welch said. “That’s where growth happens.” 
For the students who travel to South Africa, the trip was more than just a break from campus. It was an experience that broadened their perspectives, challenged their assumptions, and shaped how they see their future. 
las@iastate.edu
© Iowa State University of Science and Technology 2026

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