Alumni Spotlight: Leaving a Lasting Mark

Many students who study in South Africa go there with the intention of volunteering in some capacity. Whether it’s at a local orphanage, or a clinic in a neighboring township, the opportunities in almost all of interstudy’s program locations are plentiful. Many times universities have clubs or student run organizations that have established lasting relationships with local areas in need, and it is this sustainable, or continuous aid which is most helpful. While studying at Rhodes University, 4 of our interstudy alums made a big impact, and ended up leaving a lasting mark not only on a local community outside of Grahamstown, South Africa, but also in a grocery store near you.

Breaking Records in Boston

Yesterday marked the 113th annual Boston Marathon and it was a beautiful day for a run. The marathon isn’t only about the runners though. Before the start of the road race, the Boston Marathon also hosts the men’s and women’s wheelchair division of the race which travels on the same path as the runners – including Boston‘s infamous Heartbreak Hill. Imagine the arm strength it must take to make that climb! This year, none other than a South African was breaking records in Boston in the men’s wheelchair division. Ernst Van Dyk, who lives near Stellenbosch, South Africa, won his ninth Boston Marathon this year. Along with his impressive accomplishments on the road, Van Dyk studied Sports Science at the Stellenbosch University, one of interstudy‘s many program sites in South Africa. (image care of Boston.com)