Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Grinnell really needs to let students study abroad and not study like they're at Grinnell abroad. Past Review

By (Sociology, Grinnell College) for

IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
If Grinnell wasn't such a bully with classes it would have been better. But the rest of it was grand.

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.

I took a graduate course in Entrepreneurial Strategies that was really powerful. Practical in application with focuses on business and marketing, the class really opened my eyes about what I can do after graduation. The classes were a lot larger, made me appreciate the close-knit structure of Grinnell. The IES class sucks. No real value. Would have been better to take another business class. Oh wait, Grinnell doesn't want me to do that...

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IES Cape Town is the best. Very caring, considerate and organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Fantastic. Needed to buy some kitchen supplies.

* Food:

My girlfriend there struggled with vegetarian and vegan options, but I loved it. Very meat-heavy diet in SA.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Performed every Wednesday freestyling with hip-hop club. Performed at several shows in downtown Cape Town. Traveled to Durban on private vacation.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

IES Cape Town took care of me.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cheap living, lots to do
  • Fuse with local culture and become a resident, not just a visitor
  • Fun to take new classes (against Grinnell's wishes)
* What could be improved?
  • Let students pick classes, not have Grinnell control what is taken
  • Give suggestions for ways to immerse with local folk as opposed to just telling kids to "do it"
  • Encourage opportunities to stay abroad longer after program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Come to talk to me about. In person stories are the best.