No words to describe how incredible it was. Past Review
By Siena (Chapman University) - abroad from 03/02/2017 to 07/15/2017 with
Arcadia: Cape Town - University of Cape Town
I learned a lot about another culture and met amazing people who will always have an impact on me. It was 100% worthwhile and I am so lucky to have been given this opportunity. I will be talking about this experience for the rest of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our program administrator was never really around so she did not do much for us, we were on our own. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was a little run down, but kept us safe and was a great living environment overall. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Unfortunately, I did not mingle as much as I would have liked to with the locals, but I did learn a lot about the culture through my program's class and excursions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
HIV is very prevalent so it is something to look out for. Overall I did not use it so I cannot say, but it is different than at home. |
| * Safety: |
The city has a very high crime rate, but as long as you are aware and do not walk around at night alone then you will be fine. I was not harmed the whole time I was there. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Despite the fact that there were some parts that were confusing, we did so many fun activities that I know other programs did not do. |
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) |
It is very cheap. I spent about $1000 a month, but I also did a lot of extreme activities and trips that would have been a lot more expensive in the states. Easy to stay on a budget though if need be. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $200 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Know what you want to buy and how much you are willing to spend. I spent a lot of money but I knew that going in and I do not regret it. Do not worry about costs the whole time you are there or else you will not have fun. If you make a budget and stick to it, you will have a worth while time. I always say that you can make more money later, so spend it when you are abroad and enjoy the experiences. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How everything will work out in the end even if things are hard at the beginning. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
