Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The experience was life-changing, more than I could have ever expected! Past Review

By (Biology, General., Trinity University) - abroad from 07/12/2013 to 08/12/2013 with

Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): South Africa - Global Health Issues in South Africa Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a ton of information, critical thinking skills, the ability to conduct ethical research in a foreign country and an immense appreciation for Africa in general.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

* 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? On average, about $70

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Some small lectures on indigenous languages that were used during the homestay.

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Subject material
  • Food
  • culture
* What could be improved?
  • How much money to bring for personal expenses.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The extremity of the health-care problems South Africa is facing.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Global Health Issues in South Africa
Course Department: Global Health
Instructor: Amber Abrams
Instruction Language: English
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: