Study Abroad at Stellenbosch University Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was very light compared to that of PC. Each class generally only had 2 maybe 3 assignments for the entire semester, generally being research papers. The grading system worked heavily in my favor only needing a 75 and above to recieve an A. However some professors were expecting high quality writings. Most of my classes were taught in a discussion forum because I took mainly political science courses. I enjoyed having the different perspectives of students from Germany, China, and France.

On-site administration of your program

The program director for Stellenbosch South Africa, Hestea de Wet, is a one of a kind women. She knows how to run a successful program. The administration staff was on call 24/7 to help you with anything you needed. They honestly really took care of us completely. I never thought I would feel so safe and comforted in a foreign country the way AIFS administration made me feel in South Africa. I don't believe there were any weaknesses in the way the administration handles this program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in an apartment style privately owned gated community on Stellenbosch campus called Academia. This gated community had hundreds of students living inside including many international students from Germany, France and the US. Also the community included hundreds of native South Africans. The apartments were set up with 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and one bathroom. It was very comfortable living and easy to get around to see your new friends. <br /><br /> AIFS provided us with exceptional housing. Although the actual building had a few problems including the hot water in the shower not working and a very serious ant problem the housing overall was very comfortable. Academia had its own maintence and security staff that worked around clock to make sure everyone was satisfied. They provided a cleaning service that you could pay for to keep your apartment tidy. I throughly enjoyed having everyone in my program living inside Academia however we were scattered among 25 different buildings which allowed us to meet South African neighbors and mingle with the native crowd.

The food of all around delicious everywhere I went.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met some of the most incredible people and I truely learned a little about myself. I will never forget the people I met in South Africa and I will make it back there one day.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

For being a country with the highest criminal rate I felt extremely safe throughout the entire trip. At no point did I find myself in any situtation I could no handle. The people I met were for the most part extremely nice and welcoming.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• International Students