Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Definitely not what I expected but better! Past Review

By (Women And Gender Studies and Human Rights, Barnard College) - abroad from 01/27/2014 to 06/14/2014 with

CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned that I am a world traveler and meeting new people and exposure to new cultures and places is very important to me. Studying abroad was worthwhile. Being able to interact first-hand with a culture instead of reading about it is a phenomenal experience.

Review Photos

CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences Photo CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I originally thought I would be going into an already established community in a flat with three other local students, however to my surprise they had also been randomly placed. This created a different dynamic that I was not expecting. Also, they were not informed that an international student would be staying with them.

* 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:

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? $100/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply for outside scholarships! Make a budget for yourself before you go and try to have an idea of the activities you want to do (such as more expensive trips or activities)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Other program students I met
  • Ability to shape my experience
* What could be improved?
  • Housing organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It goes by so fast! Take advantage of every opportunity.

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.