Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Summer in Cape Town Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 06/13/2017 to 07/25/2017 with

IES Abroad: Cape Town - Summer Health Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an appreciation for healthcare professionals of all kind. I also learned a greater sense of compassion for people who are not as fortunate as I am. It was very worthwhile as it changed my outlook on the healthcare field for the better.

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?

* 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

I really loved the service learning component of this program. We were able to shadow at local hospitals and clinics which allowed us to gain a lot of insight to the healthcare system in South Africa.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food is really cheap in South Africa, but try not to eat out every meal because you can buy cheap foods at the grocery store.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Service Learning
  • Housing
  • Field trips
* What could be improved?
  • More free time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how cold it can get during a South African winter (South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere so our summer is their winter)

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!