A Dream Come True! Past Review
By A student (Psychology, Berea College) - abroad from 01/28/2015 to 06/24/2015 with
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Port Elizabeth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
The experience approved my communication skills (including active listening and overcoming language barriers). Also,I have gained an appreciation of diversity and sensitivity to customs and cultural differences. This trip enhance my navigational skills and general travel.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I feel like the administration could have did more check-ins and activities for the international students to integrate into South Africa. We have the orientation and one meeting in the beginning of the semester and that was it. Sometimes, I wish they would have been a little more connected. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The lack of a meal plan for students. One meal a day for free in the hotel would have saved students money. Students each from the restaurant all the time,so one meal a day should not be too costly. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
Overall, South Africa is safe just be sure to have someone watch the crowd while you are at the ATM because people will try to rob you while getting money out. It is very common in South Africa to get robbed at the ATM. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The exchange rate was awesome but the pricing system made things seem more expensive. I spent too much money on food because of not having meal plan. Finding cost effective ways to eat there while be beneficial for student to know. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-75 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save money on food, research free activities to do, and save for big weekend trips. |
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 |
Everyone spoke English in South Africa but they didn't really encourage students because their are 11 official languages to speak and it is easy to speak English to everyone. |
| 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? | PSY 424 |
| 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? | Practicing with the locals |
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? | It was several courses I could not take because the courses were mastery level and it should have been more clear about enrolling into classes. I was more interested in the mastery level courses than the other. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
