Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So worth it! Past Review

By (Communication Arts, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 06/15/2012 with

CIEE: Cape Town - Summer Community Development and Social Justice: Theory + Practice

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Very worthwhile. I grew up a lot, became more worldly.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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 chose to do a homestay. My family was less than satisfactory. However, from what I understand, all other students placed with families had great experiences, and the other housing options were great. There is bound to be a bad family with any program, and I made the best of it!

* Food:

My host family failed to provide me with healthy food most of the time. We ate take out several times a week, and my vegetarian roommate was often at a loss for what to eat.

* 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)

Due to my host family and their inability to provide food, I had to spend a lot of my own money on food

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • CIEE did a great job getting students immersed in the culture. I met a lot of people, saw cool places, and learned a ton.
* What could be improved?
  • A more thorough investigation of host families prior to sending students to live with them.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I was pretty prepared, and believe that some things you cannot prepare for