South Africa Changed My Life Past Review
By Autumn W (Economics., The University of Texas at Austin) for
AIFS: Stellenbosch - Study Abroad or Service Learning at Stellenbosch University
This program changed my life. It has completely altered my future plans, and I actually want to consider graduate school in Africa now. It's not something I can easily explain to someone else, it's something that has to be experienced.
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Service Learning program was incredible. The instructor/program director is one of the most incredible people I've ever met, and he made the program what it was. His methods of instruction were unlike anything I had ever experienced, very different from American institutions---he uses experiential learning to really engage students, and the group dynamics of the program were strong and cohesive, thanks to him. I have never learned so much in my life. This program changed me, and the way I see the world and myself. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration was informative, helpful, and readily available to us. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We lived in University housing, but only with other America students. I would have preferred living with local or international students, to get a better sense of the country and the local students. Otherwise, the housing was excellent, and well-equipped before our arrival. Bedding and cookware was provided. |
* Food: |
The quality of food in South Africa is excellent, and inexpensive. The cooking facilities in the dorm were mediocre, however, so eating out was the easiest option. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trips organized by AIFS were amazing, especially Garden Route over our winter interval. We saw some amazing places and did incredible activities. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I experienced two crime incidents while in South Africa--my phone and laptop were both stolen, at different points during the semester. Other than that, I felt relatively safe, and used common sense to keep myself that way. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | For me, there were aspects of the program that I did not use, but still ended up paying for (student account). Also, buying a cell phone and maintaining it was an expense I had not budgeted for. |
Language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is for an open-minded student, looking for something different, and who's not afraid to face some very tough challenges, personally, socially, and academically. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Learning for Sustainable Community Engagement--Service Learning module |
Course Department: | LSCE 12308 - 214 |
Instructor: | Grant Demas |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | This service learning program was the most incredible thing I've ever done in my life...the program director was informative, influential, and dedicated. This program changed my life and career. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | I have not yet received credit for the service learning program, it is still being processed. |
Course Name/Rating: |
HIV/AIDS: A South African Perspective |
Course Department: | 12309 - 214 |
Instructor: | Jaco Brink and Michelle Munro |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | This course was informative and engaging, though a bit unorganized at times. But, considering the subject matter and the location, it was worthwhile. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | Credit for this course is still being processed. |