Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Growing, Service, and Exploration! Past Review

By (Biology, Environmental science, Saint Josephs University) - abroad from 07/06/2014 to 11/19/2014 with

Marquette University: Cape Town - Service Learning in South Africa

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There are so many things that I gained from my experience. Living in a part of the world that was so different than what I was accustomed to was extremely eye opening. I learned that there is more than one way to view things, that friendships can be made no matter how different two people seem, that there are many ways to communicate, and that it is important to slow down, adjust to new ways, and simply enjoy life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational experience at University of the Western Cape is like nothing I have previously experienced. They have classes that encompass all majors. All of the classes that I took were very interesting. My teachers often tied current events to class material which allowed me to see modern issues in a non-Eurocentric view, which was really cool. I spent less time doing assignments for my classes, however, I thought about them longer, and in more depth. In addition, the program brings in many guest speakers who are influential in South Africa.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

There is a program director in Cape Town who lives close and is always a phone call away. He helps with any problem that arises from technical issues, to feelings of culture shock.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everyone on the program lives together in one house. The house is located in a lively neighborhood called Observatory. Grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops, and nature trails are all within a 5 minute walk. Living in the same house as everyone else on the program is very nice because it serves as a home base full of people sharing similar experiences. It has one kitchen, three refrigerators, five bathrooms, and rooms to sleep 21 people. In addition, there is a South African who lives in the house to help with the little hiccups that arise, similar to an RA.

* Food:

There is no meal plan but grocery stores are very close, and there are always restaurants close by.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Between classes, service, and weekly reflections I felt very immersed in the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Seeing a doctor was very easy. If there is any kind of problem then the director is called and you can normally see a doctor the same day. The doctors offices are very similar to the US, the only difference is that there are not always nurses.

* Safety:

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)

5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Including eating out multiple times a week less than $50

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
* 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?
  • The location
  • Living in the group house
  • The service portion
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before going to Cape Town I wish that I would have spent more time learning about the history of South Africa.

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.