Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cape Town has my heart! Past Review

By (North Carolina State University) - abroad from 06/17/2014 to 08/02/2014 with

IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about the healthcare system and revamped my passion for public health! So of course it was worthwhile!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town Photo IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town Photo IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town Photo

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

Communication was a bit sparse and times students were confused about certain issues but at all times we felt safe.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Safe location!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I got to see both extremes - the impoverished and the wealthier side. I only wish that more local students were available to interact with since it was their winter break they were out.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We knew where we could go to the doctor and where to buy medicine.

* Safety:

We had multiple safety workshops and went to the embassy and even had a huge list of safe taxis and other points of contact.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get groceries and research places before you go! Knowing right prices to barter is helpful too.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • The location
  • The locals
  • The memories
* What could be improved?
  • Program communication
  • Details of Program ahead of time
  • Costs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that I would want to stay for a whole semester!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.