At LeadAbroad, we offer programs that fit the needs of students and what they’re looking to get out of their study abroad experience. Some hope to earn college credit while exploring parts of the world, others want to gain leadership experience and many hope to impact new communities through service work they are passionate about. Lauren Boyd, a 1st year at The University of Alabama on our LEAD Cape Town program, was able to expand her love for service work while getting the experience of a lifetime.
Lauren always had a passion for community service, and loved that through LeadAbroad she was able to foster that in a new place. “Coming to Cape Town, I knew I wanted to make my experience impactful not just for myself but for the community as well. I knew if I was going to study abroad I wanted to have the opportunity to do things, like service, that aren’t a part of traditional programs.” On programs such as this one, we make sure to include a variety of service projects that way students are able to hone in on different areas of the community, doing as much good as possible.
Lauren loved that each project, no matter how similar or different, left a lasting impact on both the community and herself. “Every service experience we were able to have will forever impact me and bring fond memories. A memorable moment I will never forget is this little boy who came to find me on the first day at Bokmakierie. I was making paper crowns and he decided we were going to be friends immediately. I was thrilled because I really wanted to be able to create a bond with at least one of the kids. We played all day and even made up a hand shake. But what will stick with me forever was when we got to go back the next day and I turned the corner and saw his face just light up. He ran up to me immediately and put his hand out to do our handshake and gave me the biggest hug. Bokmakarie is full of the most special, joyful, and loving kids who impacted all of us and I know we were able to leave a positive impact on their lives.” These special memories are what drives students like Lauren to continue doing the work they have!
Service projects and experiences such as the ones fostered by LeadAbroad also give students the opportunity to learn more about themselves and who they are as people. “This experience stirred up the love for service in my heart even more as I came back to the US.” Lauren learned so much and was able to take away important lessons:
The importance of giving your all to those around you, never knowing what someone could be going through behind closed doors.
How sharing your smile and energy with those around you can make the world of a difference without even realizing it.
You don’t have to know everything to know something! It’s important to still be confident in your knowledge and remember that your experience is valid.
The work done by students on our programs inspires us daily, and we hope it does the same for you. This story Lauren shared with us shows that others feel the exact same way. “Lydia Bauersfeld (a 1st year at the University of Alabama also traveling with LEAD Cape Town) bonded with a little girl who asked her if a former LeadAbroad student was on this trip and when she realized she wasn’t, the little girl wanted to know how she was and mentioned that she admired the former LeadAbroad student, and wanted to be just like her. The time we spend with the learners is short, but each LeadAbroad group leaves a lasting footprint behind. Now that I am a former LeadAbroad student, it is encouraging to hear that we weren’t just impacted, but that we left a positive impact as well.” Our programs truly are once in a lifetime opportunities, and we thank each and every one of our students for embracing them wholeheartedly, with as much love and passion as they do.
Thank you for sharing your story with us, Lauren. We are so grateful that you trusted us to provide you with the best study abroad experience, and hope you cherish it as much as we do! Welcome to the LeadAbroad family! If you’d like to have an eye-opening service experience like Lauren, check out our 2025 interest list to get started. Until next time, future travelers!
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