It's not what you see in the movies ... Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were difficult in the amount of information that they covered, but the actual coursework wasn't as intense or as demanding as my home university.

On-site administration of your program

The International department was great once we got here, but trying to get in contact with them and get information from them before I arrived was a nightmare. Also, they often just directed me to a different person/department when I had a question regarding academics.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing here is much different than in the States, and the rules are much more strict and closely enforced, but I always felt safe and never worried about theft. Nearly all of the halls on campus are single rooms with hall baths. It was a lot to get used to at first, but it ended up working out just fine.

The dining halls are pretty terrible most of the time. You're served in a cafeteria line like in grade school. One benefit is that you are able to book your meals every day. It's a terribly temperamental system, but they do offer options such as vegetarian, health, african, etc. so there is generally something decent to choose from. Also, the meals repeat every two weeks, so once you have figured out which meals you like, booking becomes much less difficult.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The campus can definitely feel like a bubble, but all you have to do is step into town to experience the true culture of a small town in South Africa. Also, through volunteer work in the township, I was able to meet and really connect with a great number of people who truly make up the heart of South Africa.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues, but friends and peers never had a problem with the health care systems both on campus and in town. The on campus health care centre is very willing and happy to help with any problems.

Grahamstown is a small town and therefore students are generally well protected. That's not to say that there aren't problems, but campus security is always very visible and there are "safe routes" from town to campus and throughout the campus itself. I never once felt unsafe in Grahamstown.

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

Everything is pretty cheap here. Textbooks are generally unnecessary and food is provided, so it's mostly personal expenses (food, shopping, gifts) and travel costs that'll put you back. A movie in Grahamstown costs about $4 and pizza can cost as little as $2.50. It's hard to travel from Grahamstown, but busses are mostly reasonable and rental cars are not bad at all if you take a group of 5. You can get by on $100 a month if you're smart.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students
• International Students

• The opportunity to volunteer and get involved with on campus activities and societies.

• More of an international student orientation. More information on how to travel and less first-year nonsense.