Into the Bush Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses were challenging, but I learned so much! There is not as much class time as you normally have on campus, and there is a lot of group work and experience-based learning. The information was taught in a way that was really exciting.

On-site administration of your program

We get to travel throughout the country--what could be better on a study abroad program than actually exploring the country you are living in? Everyone is accessible and if there is something you need they will help you get it.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Accommodations vary, but all are nice. They range from giant dorm halls (usually there were two-one quite and one loud room) to 2-3 person chalets, and they are all comfortable.

The vegetarian fare can have a lot of soy fake-meat, but the food is good and all you can eat. There is always fruit, bread, peanut butter, cereal, etc, so if you get hungry between meals there is plenty to eat. The cooks are also so nice, if there is something you don't like (like vegetables) they will make sure to have something for you to eat

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most of the time is spent in national parks, so you don't interact too much with the local culture. However, you do spend 4 days on homestays and have the time in Cape Town to explore. This probably isn't the best program for cultural immersion, though it does give you some (and you get to meet many South African ecology researchers and spend time with South African National Park Scientific Services staff when in Skukuza so there is some interaction).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was a little concerned by this before going, but I felt completely safe the entire time. The staff works very hard to make sure you are safe, and even in the cities like Cape town and Johannesburg I felt completely safe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It really depends on how you spend. If you don't do expensive activities like shark cage diving and seal snorkeling you can get by very cheap. You have almost no expenses on the program except for tips, money for the social fund, money for day off activities, and any snacks/gifts/etc that you want to purchase. My biggest expenses were definitely food in Cape Town and activities in Cape Town.

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• Dorm
• Other
• Host Family
• Hostel

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• Local Students
• Americans
• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans

• the staff
• the location
• the field work

• more time!

The Avid Adventurer