Just go with the flow and be ready to say "T.I.A," "this is Africa." Past Review
By Stephanie F (Environmental Biology, Tulane University) for
Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): South Africa - African Ecology and Conservation
You learn all about the South African politics, people and environment. You view their issues and figure out how to relate them to America and the world. Most importantly, you learn about yourself and what you are capable of.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It's a heavy workload. You are learning a lot of material and have to write papers and do reports - everything as if you were in ordinary classes. The only difference is that you are all in one giant room in the middle of the savanna and most likely do not have internet. It's hard but so worth it! The professors are very fair graders and want you to succeed. If you are having trouble with a project, they are willing to help. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program is amazing overall. I loved the faculty and felt very supported by everyone. Of course, when you are on a small program like that, you will have different issues, but they are personal and I would hate to taint someone's experience with my personal emotions toward certain people. Overall, this program is SO worth it and all the faculty are amazing and people would be crazy not to sign up for this program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We also stayed in research camps with rooms varying from singles, doubles, triples and sometimes 15 to a room. |
| * Food: |
Shaddy (the main chef) and his crew were amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Every day of OTS is memorable. You will go on adventures daily that you will remember for the rest of your life. Something as simple as our daily "sun downers," usually lead us to a breathtaking view. The wildlife is amazing. The social committee will plan fun adventures such as white water rafting, bungee jumping and parties. Every day holds something amazing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe and if you feel sick, there is always a way to get to a doctor. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Most of the daily food expenses are covered in your tuition. You will spend money on alcohol and snacks and then food and such when you are on your free time in the cities (spring break etc.) And remember, it's about 7 rand to the dollar, so Africa is pretty cheap for the Americans. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Have a debit card so you can easily take cash out from the ATM. ATMs are not always available, so you will want to take out large sums every time. Some students had international cell phones and that seemed to work well for them. I was not so concerned with staying in touch, so I had phone cards and would use a pay phone when available. Other than alcohol, I spent money on gifts for people at home and adventures when we were in the city. You will not spend as much money on this course as you would if you were in Europe. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Just go with the flow, laugh and try to get some sleep once in a while - it is an amazing experience. |
