Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Experience of a lifetime! Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 06/11/2018 to 07/27/2018 with

IES Abroad: Cape Town - Summer Health Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
For classes, I took community health, and nutrition & HIV. The teachers were passionate and engaging, and I learned so much from them not just about South African healthcare but also about their culture and life. The classes are fascinating and you truly learn a lot and are at times academically challenged. You also get to go on fantastic trips through your classes, such as to public health centers and natural medicine practices. I also learned tons about South African culture and history, and it really changed my perspective on health, healthcare, and equality.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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:

The food is so diverse and everything is delicious!

* 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 was thrilled with my experience in Cape Town and could not have chosen a better program. I would go back anytime!

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food from the grocery store right down the block (Checkers) rather than going out for every meal!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* 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?
  • Curriculum and teachers
  • Course-related trips
  • Safari
* What could be improved?
  • Less papers
  • More exploration of South Africa rather than just Cape Town
  • Ability to befriend locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Winter is cold in South Africa! Bring lots of warm clothes :)

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.