The Best Decision I Ever Made Past Review
By A student (Marquette University) - abroad from 01/25/2019 to 06/14/2019 with
Marquette University: Cape Town - Service Learning in South Africa
Oh my word, I learned so much. I learned about more about my identity as an American and as a woman. I learned about racism/race that wasn't in an American context. I learned about Afro-centric history. I learned what amazing and difficult things can occur when 10 American girls live in a house in South Africa together. I learned about religious tolerance/religious respect. I learned about Coloured Cape Town culture. I learned that educational inequities are something that is happening to people of color globally. I found myself in a beautiful place and time. It was the most worthwhile thing I have ever done.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The South Africa Service Learning program was everything I bargained for and more. Not only did I get to live in a beautiful city that is covered with mountains and ocean views, but I also was able to find a piece of myself that I didn't realize was there. Learning my identity as an American, understanding that there was more to life than getting a job and making money is something I can never really explain. Cape Town and the people in it taught me about love; and just how powerful it can be. And in addition to that, I received an Afro-centric education and was in a university that was predominantly of color. This was a fantastic school to go to after being at Marquette University for two years, it showed me that there isn't just one way to do university. The Service Learning was very independent and self-led...you could dive as deep or as shallow as you felt comfortable. I loved the school I worked in, and learned so much from being there. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no health issues personally, but if anyone was sick our Study Abroad advisor was extremely helpful and always made sure to check up on us. |
| * Safety: |
Cape Town can be a dangerous place, but if you are smart there is really no issues. I had no safety issues while in Cape Town. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I love Cape Town with my entire heart. The SASL program provides so many opportunities to grow and flourish. If I could do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. |
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) |
Food was cheap- I spent about $1,500 in total over my 6 months. With that being said, I didn't take any extra trips or do any super crazy stuff...that would cost a bit more. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up as much as you can, but don't stress too much. Cape Town is a place where you can have fun spending $100 a day or $2 a day. I swear, regardless of financial situations, you will be able to make it work. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I didn't use Xhosa much in the house, but the students at the school I worked at spoke Xhosa. This helped me use my Xhosa skills in practice. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Speak to people! I always got nervous to talk because I know I sounded dumb, but people love to teach you things. Try to pick up on Xhosa and Afrikaans slang, it's a blast. AND a fun way to learn the language while still being able to speak English |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Keep trying new things. Even when you feel comfortable, keep reaching further. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
