An amazing, eye opening, life changing experience. Past Review
By Victoria L (Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 06/17/2012 with
CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Stellenbosch - Semester in South Africa
New outlook on life, and a wider respect and appreciation for other cultures. It was absolutely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The education system was alright, but the technology and the system was not as up to date as it is at PC. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Stayed at Academia which was perfect because it was full of international students and also South Africans so it was a great mix. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Health care was very close and available. |
| * Safety: |
Safety is the biggest concern my family had for me being in South Africa, but honestly I felt extremely safe in Stellenbosch. The only thing you should never do is walk alone on the streets at night, but you shouldnt do that anywhere in the world. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50.00 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | ask around for the cheapest places to buy food and clothes. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | 3 years of spanish |
| 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? | Speak with local South Africans, but honestly everyone speaks english fluently so you don't have to learn the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There's no air conditioning hardly anywhere in South Africa, and there is also a lot of racism, so just be prepared for that. |
