Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I Lived in South Africa Past Review

By (Social Science Teaching, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/08/2014 to 11/27/2014 with

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Port Elizabeth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself as an individual. I consider myself to be very involved at my home university - music ensembles, soccer team, student organizations, etc. But while you are studying abroad you don't have all of that to fall back on and you are forced to make friends based on other and more real commonalities. I learned that life is short and when you are given a great opportunity do not question it - JUST DO IT. Half of the things I did while studying abroad I would never even dream of doing back home but since I had that study abroad mind set, I allowed myself to step outside of my comfort zone and try new things.

Review Photos

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Port Elizabeth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Port Elizabeth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Port Elizabeth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Port Elizabeth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Port Elizabeth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I found that NMMU provided sufficient academic rigor but lacked in the organizational aspect of the university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never walk around alone (day or night) Don't talk to anyone at an ATM machine and always go to the ATM with a buddy.

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)

The exchange rate allowed me to live very comfortably for most of my stay in South Africa.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I traveled a lot so each week I probably spent about $200 each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save as much money as you can before you go. I set aside %10 of each paycheck I received for about 6 months prior to leaving and that helped a lot. While abroad, constantly monitor your bank account and if possible, pay for things or set aside money in advance (like travel, books, luxery expenses).

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

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? Spanish 3 (completely irrelevant to the language I studied while abroad)
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I took Xhosa at NMMU and one thing I would recommend is to bring note cards to class instead of a notebook. Every time you hear a new word , write it down with a definition and then you will have note cards to study right away!

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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?
  • I loved everything about Port Elizabeth!
* What could be improved?
  • The new international student orientation
  • integrating international students with local students and culture
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The weather in the winter is actually pretty cold. (I didn't pack enough warm clothes)

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.