Not the typical African experience, but well worth it! Past Review

By chelstiller (Mathematics, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/10/2012 to 11/16/2012 with

CIEE: Cape Town - Service Learning

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

I cannot always control my situation, but I can make a difference. Every culture has its ups and downs, and every country is unique. I learned to appreciate this, but also understand that improvements can always be made. History is in the making. I would absolutely go back to South Africa in a heartbeat.

Review Photos

CIEE: Cape Town - Service Learning 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 subject matter was really interesting and very helpful for the most part. I used it a ton when working on site and just observing the city. The history and culture of South Africa is so rich that it helps to have courses over the subjects. However, the intensity of the courses was minimal and the level was below that of which I am used to at an American university, which was to be expected.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	I would have to say that this is where the most drama came from the entire trip. At times the administration was helpful, even overly so. However, there was a majority of the time, more near the end, where we often fended for ourselves. Overall though, I would say I learned a lot from these situations.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The living arrangements were phenomenal. Except for the occasional internet problems, which is expected in Africa to be honest, everything was clean and neat. We had a wonderful house keeper who was like our mom really.
* Food:	This is based on your own ability to cook because that is what you do most of the time. However, when CIEE foots the bill, take it. They feed you well. Service-Learning students get the best treatment as well. They take you out, feed you a ton, and transport you everywhere.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The Service-Learning program is definitely the best way to get integrated into the culture. You get to see first hand issues that the citizens are dealing with and you get to serve them in the way that they need, not the way you think is best. This allows you more insight into their lives and makes you feel more connected with the local culture.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	CIEE helped me out when I was sick while abroad. I had no problems with it. I did have to pay for a doctors visit because the schools facilities were useless, but I will be getting a refund from the travelers insurance I believe. There is easy access to a pharmacy and any help you need.
* Safety:	The safety in Cape Town can be an issue. Just be smart. If you go out for the night, keep your personal items close. In general, always watch your back, and never go anywhere alone (especially at night, but even during the day if you can avoid it). Keep your bags and backpacks wrapped around your leg when in a public place. Overall though, at times I felt a little nervous but never threatened. Again, keep an eye out and ask your advisors for advice and supervision. They are willing to help.
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)	This is hard to say. I spent as much money in South Africa per month and I do in the United States. Things there are either extremely cheap or very expensive in a sense. This reflects the culture. I would say a students budget would be plenty for South Africa.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$50

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language	I took a native African language course, isiXhosa, which I was able to use in the community plenty. I was encouraged to speak in Xhosa frequently. However, I did not know enough of the language to carry out a conversation.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	None
How many hours per day did you use the language?	0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	When you are at your service site, talk to the South Africans as much as possible. This is where most of your practice will come in.

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	Americans
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?	my fellow service-learning students my service site
* What could be improved?	the administration organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Be willing to experiment, have no expectations, and go on an adventure of a lifetime.

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 Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!