Crystal Qian
Crystal Qian (she/her) - Stanford in Cape Town
Major: Human Biology
College year while abroad: Spring 2024-25
About the photo: Spotting a lion during a game drive!
Contact
Email: cqian814@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.
Q&As
Why did you choose to study in Cape Town?
I chose Cape Town for its natural beauty — the region’s natural landscapes are truly stunning — and for a chance to experience something completely new. Having never been to sub-Saharan Africa, I thought that this offered an ideal opportunity to experience life in a setting far from what I’d always known.
How did studying away support your academic growth?
Given South Africa’s history of apartheid and transitional justice, the Cape Town program provided a rich historical and cultural context from which to learn about racial identity, human rights, and social justice. I appreciated that the program was highly interdisciplinary, with applications in fields ranging from political science to urban studies to engineering. In fact, each member of my cohort represented a different major! While my primary academic interests were in human health, I came to appreciate how inequality may manifest globally in patterns of poverty and healthcare access.
What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?
Post-apartheid South Africa has a unique socioeconomic landscape. I realized my rather Western-centric view of the world, and I learned to approach others’ lived experiences respectfully and with an open mind. Cape Town was transformative both intellectually and personally, since it pushed me to question my own perspectives while living within the legacies of the country’s apartheid-era systems. On a more micro level, I actually enjoyed the day-to-day rhythm of navigating a new culture. For example, Capetonians are, by an American standard, very friendly, and I soon found myself exchanging pleasantries with almost everyone I interacted with.
Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.
A typical day began with a light breakfast, followed by a commute to the Stanford in Cape Town Center for our morning class. We then had the rest of the day to ourselves! I often grabbed lunch with my cohort, caught up on work, or went on spontaneous outings. Cape Town was full of opportunities to explore the great outdoors: I spent my free time surfing at Muizenberg, hiking the various trails on Table Mountain, and looking for kelp along the coastline. I also loved exploring the city’s vibrant arts scene during First Thursdays. My favorite part about daily life was the fact that our Rez was located right near the base of Table Mountain. Many afternoons I’d chill on the rooftop with a coffee, taking in the beautiful view of Table Mountain and thinking, “Wow, I’m really in Cape Town!”
If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?
I worked with the Sports Science Institute of South Africa, conducting a qualitative research project on the institute’s Community Health Intervention Program (CHIPs), which promotes physical activity and health education in previously disadvantaged communities of the Western Cape province. I interviewed members of CHIPs and used this information to analyze the program’s long-term sustainability and offer recommendations for its future. This project not only taught me hard skills in qualitative research, but also deepened my understanding of community-driven approaches to address deeply entrenched health disparities. Engaging with these communities pushed me to think critically about how I can translate my education and privileges into meaningful service for medically disenfranchised populations.
What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?
A fanny pack.
What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?
Go for it! Living in Africa for three months was something I never thought I’d do, but I’m so glad I did, and I’m now a much more free person because of it. I came back to Stanford with a brighter outlook on life and a more grounded understanding of the world around me. Be willing to step outside of your comfort zone — seriously, I jumped off the highest bungee bridge in the world during my time there — and remember that part of life is seeking new experiences. Choose to live a little. It’s better to miss home than to miss out on the world!