Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most one-of-a-kind experience I'll ever get Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/22/2016 to 11/29/2016 with

Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): South Africa - African Ecology and Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience affirmed my passion for field work and research. I made the most amazing friends and went to so many beautiful places. The academics could be challenging at times, but I never felt too overwhelmed. Wish I had been able to explore some of the places we went to more sometimes, but was often hindered by the amount of work

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* 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?

I would have overall appreciated more integration/understanding of South African culture. The homestay was amazing, but it was only for 3 days and we received little debriefing afterwards.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Only spent a lot of money in Cape Town - probably ~$50/day
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? save up for the Cape Town break!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Field experience
  • People
  • Beautiful places
* What could be improved?
  • Cultural integration
  • More group activities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take advantage of literally every opportunity given! try not to put academics over this incredible place and experience

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.