Angel De Dios
Angel De Dios (they/them) - Stanford in Cape Town
Majors: Urban Studies, Comparative Race and Ethnicity Studies, Earth Systems (Co-term)
College year while abroad: Fall 2024
About the photo: In my photo, I am pictured outside on a beach within the outskirts of Cape Town while Table Mountain sits in the background.
Contact
Email: amdedios@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.
Q&As
Why did you choose to study in Cape Town?
I chose to study abroad in South Africa because I wanted to be part of a community-driven program that prioritizes reciprocity as a core principle. From the classes to the staff to the community-based opportunities, the program ensures there is a form of reciprocity within the program on each end.
How did studying away support your academic growth?
Studying away supported my academic growth through both the classes and activities as a cohort. Within classes, I expanded my knowledge of urban spaces, race, identity, and culture beyond Latin America and the US through meeting amazing guests, reading revolutionary texts, and exploring other perspectives. Through activities, I learned academically by engaging respectfully with guides and people who opened themselves up to their sacred spaces.
What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?
For a long time, I've struggled to find a sense of community outside of home. Being in Cape Town, I had difficulty finding myself in the space. I used to think my community was limited to those connected to home; however, Cape Town taught me that community can be found everywhere. People can exist and love together in all spaces. While abroad, I discovered that community can be found everywhere, from a cafe to an organization. Ever since then, I have discovered the beauty of community everywhere. Community can be everywhere.
Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.
A typical day in the program would include going to the gym in the morning, making breakfast, and then walking with my cohort to the Stanford in Capetown Center for course sessions. After classes, I would either have a meeting to discuss our projects with the Environmental Monitoring Group, go to a cafe to work at, or explore the city. The best part of the program was always exploring the city, such as visiting new shops, markets, beaches, and events.
If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?
The project I worked on with the organization Environmental Monitoring Group helped me grow by engaging critically with children. My project included three-day sessions teaching children science and art within the community of Goevrwacht. By engaging critically, I mean engaging in a way that puts the children first, acknowledges the power dynamics, and brings forward care and love. This engagement requires a flexible approach to teaching, which has taught me that we must tailor our methods to meet children’s needs. Through this experience, I learned to be flexible and adaptable, while also understanding how to lead with care and love.
What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?
An essential item I took with me on the program was a camera, as Cape Town is a very gorgeous city.
What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?
Think about what intentions you have while going abroad. What does going abroad mean for you, but also what does it look like for the communities you are visiting? How do you want that relationship to exist? By understanding the principles of your intentions and desires, you come to know why you want to study abroad, where you want to do it, and how you can fit in the space.