Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I can't wait seize other opportunities to travel and live in other cultures! Past Review

By (Mathematics, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/24/2013 to 06/09/2013 with

Arcadia: Cape Town - University of Cape Town

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My 5 months abroad were the most worthwhile experience of my life so far. I was able to learn about other cultures around the world as well and gain new perspectives and view points for my own life.

Review Photos

Arcadia: Cape Town - University of Cape Town Photo

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.

The course provided by the program was not very difficult but did require time and commitment

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff in Cape Town was always readily available and very helpful!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing exceeded my expectations and I felt very comfortable

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program really focused on the new culture I was experiencing and really focused to get me involved in all aspects of it!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was with a few friends who needed healthcare and it was very quick and easy to get to.

* Safety:

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)

South Africa was much more affordable than the States.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not be afraid to barter with vendors when purchasing gifts or clothes.

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
  • 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?
  • My exposure to a new culture.
  • The relationships I created.
  • The experiences I could not have had in the USA
* What could be improved?
  • More communication before leaving for abroad.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not created expectations and be willing to try new things!

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.