Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I would visit South Africa again, but not for school Past Review

By (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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Traveling
  • Other cultures
  • International Students
* What could be improved?
  • Courses that transfer back to SCSU
  • ^^^^^^^^^^^
  • ^^^^^^^^^
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That my classes wouldn't transfer back.