Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A South African Experience Past Review

By (Lake Forest College) - abroad from 01/14/2017 to 06/03/2017 with

AIFS: Stellenbosch - Study Abroad or Service Learning at Stellenbosch University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gain a sense of independence being abroad. Before having the chance to go abroad I was not independent, I relied a lot on others. Being abroad essentially forced me to start handling things on my own without others input.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The AIFS program director Hesta and her assistant program director David were amazing! They truly made being away from the comforts of home less scary.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Having the opportunity to go abroad allowed me to gain a better sense of independence and about the world around me. This experience has been one of the most influential experiences of my life.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Program Directors
  • Excursions/Cultural Immersions
  • Overall People
* What could be improved?
  • More Activities to be involved in host community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew it was okay to step outside of your comfort zone to experience to things and people.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.