I would visit South Africa again, but not for school Past Review
By A student (Travel & Tourism, St. Cloud State University) - abroad from 02/13/2012 to 06/22/2012 with
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Port Elizabeth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I gained knowledge of a new culture, how to travel cheaper and have more fun (ie hostels, using buslines, pro poor tourism), Gaining appreciation for my home University, I loved being around other international students... Yes it was worthwhile, despite the class schedules, confusion... I'd do it all the same way.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had an extremely hard time with the certain ways essays and projects were done. Especially citing sources and accessing information. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The workers in the international office were helpful as they could be. There was lots of paperwork hoops to jump through. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I enjoyed the housing situation because its has a great international student community, pool, shared kitchen and bathroom. The only thing that would have made it better would be the addition of an air conditioning unit. |
| * Food: |
I loved the different foriegn food found in the the area. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were dropped off at Annies Cove without much instruction. Which at the time was frustrating, but turned out being a good way to dive into the area and enjoy the culture. After that, other students and myself started taking trips and making local friends to show us the surrounding cities. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any health issues during this time. |
| * Safety: |
I felt fairly safe the entire time in South Africa |
| 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) |
I was just fine. I am a non traditonal student that has other income factors. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $35 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spread out your spending budget and don't buy souveniors until the end of the trip. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
|
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Most students/faculty spoke English. I chose not to take a language course. I did however use some common Xhosa and Afrikkans phrases now and then. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | NA. I just know some random key phrases of multiple languages |
| 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? | If possible find a international student(s) at your host school and ask them for help with the language of the country you are about to go to. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That my classes wouldn't transfer back. |
