When Brianna Bodner ’25 started thinking about studying abroad, she knew she wanted something beyond her comfort zone.

As a double major in environmental science and studio art, she chose to spend a semester in Stellenbosch, at one of South Africa’s leading universities known for its research into sustainable food production. It was a choice that blended her academic interests with her sense of adventure. Stellenbosch University brings close to 28,000 students representing more than 110 nationalities to the region creating a dynamic, global learning community.

“I knew I didn’t want to study abroad in Europe,” Brianna says. “I wanted to go somewhere that would challenge me.”

She studied sustainable gardening practices and helped build a hydroponic garden from the ground up. Brianna also enrolled in environmental science courses, applied photography skills during excursions to local wildlife reserves, and participated in a global service-learning project at Boschendal Preschool, a primary school in a nearby township.

“Do it—even if it’s out of your comfort zone. Don’t focus on the bad; there will always be challenges, but you’ll push past them.”

Each day, she worked with children from infancy to age four—most from low-income households, many of whom spoke no English.

Brianna’s commitment to conservation deepened during her time at Stellenbosch— especially wildlife conservation and communities at the intersection of environment and equity.

This summer, she’s working with the Maine Conservation Corps—and this fall, she’ll begin her graduate studies through Clark’s 4+1 Master Degree in Environmental Science and Policy.

Brianna’s advice to future study abroad students?

“Do it—even if it’s out of your comfort zone. Don’t focus on the bad; there will always be challenges, but you’ll push past them.”