Go Abroad! Past Review

By (Spelman College) - abroad from 06/03/2019 to 08/03/2019 with

IES Abroad: Cape Town - Summer Internship

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained insight into who I am and who I could be. I also gained practical clinical experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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

My summer interning abroad with IES was an essential growing period for me. As a Ghanain-American in Cape Town, I learned so much about myself and my continent. I gained a better understanding of the legacies of colonialism, classification, and the inheritance of racism. Additionally, through my internship at the internationally renowned Groote Schuur Hospital, I was able to observe and expand my knowledge of South Africa’s healthcare system.

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-$70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget at the start of each week, plan for any and everything!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My internship
  • The Students and medical personnel that I worked with
  • My living space
* What could be improved?
  • How roommates are paired
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That South Africa is absolutely nothing like West Africa.