Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unique Past Review

By (Northeastern University) - abroad from 08/01/2015 to 12/01/2015 with

Connect-123: Cape Town - Volunteer/Intern in South Africa

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
- Advanced skills - Dealing with clients - How to work with co-workers - Responsibility Worth every moment!

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

They are very responsible, occasionally check in with you to make sure of your well being. Overall they are very helpful and I feel much safer.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The standard is below average compare to the states or Hong Kong (my home town), but it is really about your attitude towards it.

* Food:

It is easy to get good food if you are willing to spend money. But you can still get amazing food for a budget price.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local culture is amazing, especially if you explore outside of the city, like deep into the townships you will find a lot of hidden gems in Cape Town.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any heath issue during my time in Cape Town, but it is relatively easy to get health care if you do need to seek medical attention.

* Safety:

Cape Town is relatively safe if you are aware of your surroundings enough. People are genially nice and nothing is going to happen if you are careful enough.

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)

Depends on your lifestyle. You can easily get a meal for $2-$3, but you will spend around $7 or a little bit more if you want to go to a nice restaurant. Electricity, phone bills are very cheap as well.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On a normal week I'd say around $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Some take outs are ridiculously cheap. Cooking is also a great way for money saving. In general it is very easy to save money once you explore the city and you will know where to go for cheaper food.

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

Everyone in Cape Town speaks English so you do not need to speak Afrikaans unless your job requires you to do so.

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? English / Chinese
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just be curious, and wiling to learn!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Cape Town
  • The struggles that made me stronger
  • The people and my work placement
* What could be improved?
  • Transportation aid
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I'd know Cape Town is safer than I thought, and that the people there are more than happy to help as long as you are motivated. Truly a beautiful place.

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 Adventurer
The 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.