InterStudy at UCT, opportunity of a lifetime! Past Review
By Ben B (Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) for
ISA Study Abroad in Cape Town, South Africa
Most definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was a huge gap between my Calculus 2 class here in the States, and the next course, Multivariable Calculus class which i attempted to take at the University of Cape Town. I was struggling from the beginning but tried to get myself caught up, the problem was that the tutorial session had over 30 people in it so there was almost no 1 on 1 time with the teacher or TA's, and the teacher had no office hours outside of class so there was not enough help outside of class time for me to get caught up. I ended up getting failing the course, and am retaking it back here in the States. My other 3 courses i took were all fine, and i didn't have any other major problems with the courses. My one recommendation would be to make sure you take courses that won't be a big struggle because there didn't seem to be much structure for helping students who are struggling. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All of the interStudy staff were very nice and extremely helpful with any issues i had with courses, registration, or anything at all. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
the housing was provided by the interStudy program. It was apartment housing with other American students. 5 minute walk away from the campus shuttle to get to campus, and a block away from Main Road where you can get a taxi to go downtown or to the beach or wherever you need. All cookware, sheets, desks, chairs provided. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went on a safari to Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe over Spring Break and i would highly recommend some sort of trip like this! Being able to see Victoria Falls, one of the 7 wonders of the world as well as real African animals up close and personal was an experience i will never forget! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Pickpocketing, especially of American students (they can tell who you are at the bars/clubs) is very common. Lots of people got pickpocketed at some point. Other than late at night i never felt unsafe in the area that we lived, but even after dark with a group of people you'll be fine. |
| 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?
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* Who did you live with?
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