Cape Town was a wonderful new perspective on life. Past Review
By Victoria S (Human Services, General., Villanova University) for
ISA Study Abroad in Cape Town, South Africa
My study abroad experience was absolutely worthwhile, I wish I could have done a second semester because I loved it so much. Not only did I have a phenomenal time, I also learned all about those who live in Africa and go to travel and see a new part of the world. I have a much better understanding of community now and feel that I am more comfortable in racially diverse situations because of the things that I experienced during my time in South Africa.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
the educational system in Cape Town in comparison to America is interesting. There is a lot of red tape and because everything is done by paper it gets irritating. It did lead to insights about going to a larger university. I was just surprised at the extreme lack of attendance in lecture sessions and the teaching methods; many teachers did not hold high degrees and at times seemed they were unsure what they were even teaching. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Loved them, especially Ouma. She was wonderful and a huge help. The only downside was that at times things were not fixed in a timely fashion. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
flats where all interstudy students lived on the same road. i loved it and always felt safe. when we arrived we had a mish-mash of kitchen appliances but we spoke with other students, traded and worked with what we had. the only downside was when things broke, or windows no longer closed (which is unfortunate in the winter) it took a long time to get things repaired. |
| * Food: |
food in South Africa is phenomenal. Try it all. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The non-academic aspects were my favorite. From traveling to going out at night or just eating out for meals - there is so much to do in Cape Town and every local you meet is friendlier than the one before. My program had 2 day excursions, a weekend excursion and a farewell dinner. All were incredible and helped to foster friendship between the students on the program as well as learn about South Africa. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Program directors were helpful when we were sick and as long as we kept smart and locked our gates, i felt completely fine and safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I believe it is the best study abroad program in Cape Town if you are looking for a small program where you have support but are also encouraged to go out on your own and meet locals. |
