Renee Taylor

Renee traveled to Cape Town, South Africa and completed two courses at the University of Cape Town.  The main course was Afro-politanism, which covered the history of the apartheid, the effects of slavery on South Africa, and the political systems historically and currently in place in South Africa.  Additionally, Renee learned about HIV/AIDS in the second class.  This course was especially important, as it applies to her Nursing major, as well as her minor of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies.  The HIV/AIDS course reviewed the history of the disease, the barriers to treating the epidemic in South Africa, and a review of studies which have been completed.  Throughout her studies, Renee had the opportunity to visit many museums and attractions which pertained to her studies, including Robben Island which houses the jail cell of Nelson Mandela, Groote Schuur Hospital where the  Heart of Cape Town Museum is located and the first heart transplant was completed, and the District 6 Museum.  At the end of the 3-week study, Renee’s abroad experience included a Garden Route Tour along the coast, staying at a different Backpackers location each night.  Some amazing opportunities Renee had during this adventure included feeding and hugging elephants, bungee jumping from the world’s highest bungee jump, ziplining over a waterfall, and horseback riding on the beach.