Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/01/2017 to 12/01/2017 with

CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about what it means to be a woman of color in a world that is not safe for women with my racial identity. Cape Town is not an easy place to be for women of color (no cities really are honestly) and I really did learn a lot about myself during this time.

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?

* Food:

we cooked our own meals because we lived in flats with kitchens.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never needed medical attention so I am not really sure about this.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved being in Cape Town and I was able to become close with members of the staff and facilities.

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)

the exchange rate made it really easy to do so.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? half of what I would spend in America each week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and try to save money for the fun things you want to do at the beginning of the semester.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • The city and the people i lived with
  • going to the university
  • being able to travel
* What could be improved?
  • this program needs to become more safe for people of color. issues surrounding racism and racial education need to become a priority.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is a very hands-off program and you need to have a great deal of independence in order to really thrive on this program.