Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

CGE promises an academically strenuous atmosphere, but its classes are anything but rigorous. While the speakers add some nuance and varied perspectives to classes, the four-hour sessions are neither informative nor entertaining. Some professors are good, and some are not. Regardless, the classes simply did not contain enough information and were not strenuous enough to maintain my interest or further my knowledge. The politics class is particularly unsatisfying -- I learned more in a week in an African politics class at my home university than I did in the entire semester in my politics class at CGE. All in all, the classes at CGE did not fulfill their potential to be engaging and interesting.

On-site administration of your program

The director of the program was obstinate and uninformative. He was often unwilling to provide help. Whenever administrative help was needed, he was bypassed if possible. The rest of the staff was very knowledgeable and supportive. Whenever I had a question about an assignment, a class, or anything else, the majority of the staff was accessible and helpful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The homestays were all great. Our house was really cool -- I loved the pool and huge living room. The only negative was the quality of the beds, mattresses, and pillows themselves. They made getting a good night's sleep difficult. It didn't matter though because the house had so many fun things to do.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Language was not a primary concern of this program. I learned how to say hello and count and a few other rudimentary phrases in DamaraNama.