Service Learning in South Africa Past Review
By Elena (Public and Community Service, Providence College) for
AIFS: Stellenbosch - Study Abroad or Service Learning at Stellenbosch University
I am beyond happy i chose to study abroad and particularly happy i chose to go to SA. I think i had one of the best experiences that is offered, and it is my hope that more people take this opportunity and that PC continues to offer this. It would be a mistake to take away the AIFS Stellenbosch experience because of what i have learned, the people i have met, and the love i have for my host country. The international office in Stellenbosch is without a doubt some of the most inviting, genuine, and fantastic group of people i have ever met. They are what made my experience so special, and the reason i still miss it, and most likely will always miss it. I gained a new appreciation for the world and the ways in which we are all interconnected. I had the unique experience to befriend South Africans, an opportunity not offered in many other programs. Don't take away this program, please.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My experience was different from that at PC, but just as valuable. Learning in a different country gives new and unique learning opportunities that i will draw on during the rest of my educational career. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
THE BEST! So helpful and excited about us studying in their country. The AIFS and int'l team in Stellenbosch made my experience what it was . |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a flat that had 8 single rooms, a common area, and mini kitchen shared by 2 people. <br /><br /> Helped to meet people |
| * Food: |
Food in town was good. also possible to cook at home. food in student center good but not included in fee |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Read above |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never had safety issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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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Language
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I did not learn enough of the language to become proficient |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Relax and learn to enjoy the country, people, culture, and experience. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Xhosa |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Pumlani |
| Instruction Language: | English and Xhosa |
| Comments: | EExciting and well taught. Loved learning about the culture |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Economic and Development Issues in Africa and South Africa |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Johann Fourie |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | very interesting and informative. learned alot about my surroundings. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | NO |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Service Learning in Community Development |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | du Plessis |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | Made my experience abroad because of the field work required. Would reccomend this type of service to anyone choosing this program. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | No |
