Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best four months of my life. Past Review

By (Management, Bentley University) - abroad from 07/12/2012 to 12/16/2013 with

IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A new perspective for living in America and all the opportunities offered to us that we take for granted. Also some direction for my life post graduation realizing that there are many more possibilities than I originally believed ie travel, living abroad, peace corps etc. (not just obtaining a corporate job).

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.

The classes were interesting but the grading system didn't seem to have a whole lot of rhyme or reason. Grades came without explanations etc. Difficult to do well/improve throughout the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program administration wasn't extremely present. In the beginning we didn't really even know they existed. However, Jonathon Mitchell was helpful during a medical crisis during my stay.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Pretty satisfied, beautiful housing. The landlord was a little aloof. Problems with internet etc.

* Food:

Food was fine- no complaints.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

In the last two months I finally started hanging out with a lot of locals and felt very integrated into the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Got food poisoning and a virus leading to pneumonia. Paid out of pocket, doctors didn't provide much insight/help. Prescribed an array of medications without much testing/questioning/diagnosing.

* Safety:

Knowing it's reputation, I felt that overall I knew how to act in order to remain safe; I did however get robbed once.

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)

Food was cheap, it was definitely not much of an issue.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take out a certain amount of cash each week and only spend that-no more.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • location
  • people
* What could be improved?
  • more contact from program during stay
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? to immediately immerse myself in the culture/ befriend locals to get a genuine experience of the country.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.