Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not Your Average Study Abroad Experience Past Review

By (Social Entrepreneurship, Belmont University) - abroad from 01/27/2011 to 06/11/2011 with

Connect-123: Cape Town - Studies in Social Entrepreneurship, Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about development from a community and international standpoint, entrepreneurship, and what it looks like to run/work for a small NGO. Through the courses and internship, I learned a lot about myself.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No

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?
  • This program is amazing because it goes beyond studying at a world-class university, University of Cape Town, that challenges you intellectually. You are able to intern with an organization that values your ideas and input into the variety of projects they offer to you. Along the way, they will consistently be there to help you understand South African politics, cultural norms, or their expectations. I really enjoyed the level of interaction and open-mindedness to my ideas the organization had.
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had prepared more by studying the history and current state of South Africa because it plays such an important role when working with the people.