Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience that exceeded expectations! Past Review

By (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/24/2013 to 06/10/2013 with

Arcadia: Cape Town - University of Cape Town

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal about the country and what is has to offer both international and local people.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Attending University of Cape Town IS NOT for students looking for an easy semester. Be prepared to write more papers than you ever have before.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I felt that my program administration knew me well, yet there were places of disconnect that can be improved.

* 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:

Be smart, be confident, and don't spend you're time in Cape Town in fear no matter how much people try to scare you. Everyone has different experiences, yet there is a lot to learn from the situations and people you're meant to be wary of.

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

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)

If you keep in mind that you need to be smart about money and do not get wrapped up in the exchange rate then you can live comfortably here.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not be fooled by the exchange rate...money is money and it CAN go fast.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Food
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Residential educator
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How difficult the course load would be.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.