Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

South Africa: I Jumped Off a Bridge - Literally! Past Review

By (urban studies and political science, Trinity University) for

CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES!

Review Photos

CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences 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 grading system was confusing because it was so different from the one we use in the US but everyone was helpful in trying to figure it out. The teaching methods were solely lecture style with tutorials once or twice a week. Workload tended to be a final and a major paper per class plus several small tutorial assignments. The educational system was very very different from that of the US. Things were disorganized and a bit behind the times, but the quality of professors, resources, campus facilities were great! And everyone wanted to be there. Great experience!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was great and always able to answer any questions!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a house with other American students! House was great - in a great location and great quality, clean house. Didn't have to buy any sheets, cookware, etc. but it was bare. They could have done a better job of making it feel more like home.

* Food:

The food in South Africa was quite a variety. You could get most things that you can get in the US but it was mostly sub par. You could find some really good food though if you searched! And I cooked a lot in our house. Groceries were cheap!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So fun, spring break was a great time. Travel if you can!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Cape Town was very safe. I would compare it to any large American city. You wouldn't walk alone at night, just like you wouldn't in Chicago. The health situation was interesting. Doctor's were available but expensive for Americans without South African insurance and in my situation, didn't end up helping at all.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not much - you could eat meals at semi nice restaurants for $3-$4. If you bought groceries you could spend much less.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spring break! Anticipate going on a trip for your break from UCT - many people go to Botswana, Vic Falls, etc. through a travel company for students.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The country was beautiful with so much to do!
* What could be improved?
  • The organization of Africa - not the program but the country! It was hard to adjust to!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Someone that is independent and loves to make new friends. For a shy person that is introverted, it would be hard to adjust to the Cape Town lifestyle and the CIEE program.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Africa: Colonial and Post Colonial Encounters
Course Department: HST2034
Instructor: Lance van Sittert
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Professor was odd, but funny and the class was interesting. Very little work!
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

South Africa in the 20th Century
Course Department: HST2031
Instructor: Mohamed Adhikari
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was huge and pretty much entirely study abroad students. Somewhat interesting and cool to take while living in South Africa. Worth it for the information to enhance the experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Living and Learning in South Africa
Course Department:
Instructor: Quinton Redcliffe
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was the class sponsored by the CIEE program. Although semi useless, I got a free lunch every week and was able to get to know the program staff and students.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

The Politics of International Economic Relations
Course Department: POL2039
Instructor: Markus Korhonen
Instruction Language: English
Comments: I really liked this course! It was really interesting and the professor was great. Although the class was huge and it was taught in lecture style, the professor was really good at making it interesting and engaging the students. The tutors for this class were also great.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, but I would suggest get everything approved BEFORE going abroad, or while you're there! Don't wait til you get home because you might have just wasted an entire semester taking a class that will do you no good.