Jaw-dropping May 18, 2022
By jessica h (Arts and Sciences, University of Hartford) - abroad from 02/01/2022 to 06/11/2022 with
CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences
I learned a lot about race and poverty but more than anything I learned a lot about the US which was surprising. I will have to do a lot of self-reflection when I return but I definitely am a changed person and I enjoy where I am with myself in life right now. This is your sign to get away and do something hard and scary: it is worth it.
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 schooling is simply different and they lack communication skills otherwise it is not overly hard |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
CIEE was amazing they were there for everything we ever needed no matter what time. They really do it for the kids and have a great fun staff that I hope to keep in touch with. They organize so many eye-opening events and they simply couldn't have done a better job. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorms we stayed in at campus key were way nicer than any of the US dorms I've seen there are so many amenities, gyms, study areas, a bar, a cafe, and so forth! Plus you get your own room/kitchen/bathroom! |
| * Food: |
A foodies dream there are so many options and they are amazing while healthy. The markets here are a must! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
They are very accepting people and are so kind. There are some crime issues to be aware of in some areas but once you understand the city it's no different than living in a major US city. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Yet again poor communicators but everything needed was taken care of |
| * Safety: |
There are definite crime issues but we were never affected outside of a few pickpocketing incidents. If you are smart you will be fine but it is something to be aware of but should not deter you. Its just like any big US city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I learned so much and met so many great people who were very supportive. Everyone here was in one way or another a lot like me and there was something for everyone to fall in love with here. |
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 is heavenly you will save so much more than if you went to a European country. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 - that's with going out to eat a few times and a week of grocery's |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | it is worth the experience to spend the money but as long as you are mindful about saving for the things you actually want to spend on you'll be fine |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had known more about what i was getting myself into i really came here blind but i also kinda appreciated it now it made me experience it all very authentically. |
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. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Any Gender course |
| Course Department: | Gender studies |
| Instructor: | na |
| Instruction Language: | english |
| Comments: | The gender classes here are a lot more work than they are worth and will waste your time here. The religion and media courses are amazing but I would highly advise staying away from Gender ones unfortunetly. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | no |
