Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lots of Love Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Endicott College) - abroad from 08/28/2015 to 12/13/2015 with

International Student Volunteers (ISV): South Africa - Volunteering in South Africa

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
New cultures, new politics, new standards of living

Review Photos

International Student Volunteers (ISV): South Africa - Volunteering in South Africa Photo

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.

I did thesis and an internship

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Athena was the best advisor ever!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The program that provided housing had major security issues.

* Food:

Quality or gourmet food is the same price as the average food in the US.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The housing should be very safe and secure. This is not always the case. Furthermore, tourist areas are highly active with opportunistic crime.

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)

Even excursions that are usually quite expensive were much cheaper than in the United States, except for he alt and fitness centers.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $70
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the backpackers for drinks first and little things add up quickly. Woolworths is nice but only get speciality things there. The markets are good for basics like fruits and vegetables.

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

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

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • access to Parliament
  • food
  • location/ accessibility
* What could be improved?
  • housing
  • internship requirement agreements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That an internship agreement contract could have been signed.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!