Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad at Rhodes University Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., Gettysburg College) for

Rhodes University: Grahamstown - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. I feel silly answering this question, it's a bit too broad and vague. I mean, I lived in an entirely different country and witnessed a thousand things which were different from the U.S., and a thousand things that were the same. You take both and learn from them. That's all I got.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Rhodes University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Workload was generally substantially less than I had in the states, but the content was no less dense/worthwhile. Professors were excellent overall (with one exception). Also, 70-80% of the grade is in the final exam, which is taken in the morning in a gym. A silly system if you ask me; it's why a large number of student there coast through the semester and then promptly fail.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Some of the group-trips were a bust, but that was really no one's fault. My leaders (or whatever their title might be) were excellent, in touch, friendly, caring, etc.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Typical dorm set-up, although almost having a single was nice. Excellent way of forcing us to interact with local students. I spent almost every day with local students and make some great friendships.

* Food:

Ok. Cafeteria food is kind of gross. But food in town is fantastic + cheap. I'll split it with a "3".

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Living in a dorm has its advantages and disadvantages. As I said, I made a ton of great friends + hung out with them every day. On the flip side, Universities are kind of their own bubble so it can be tough to get out and get a real "cultural" experience. Great overall however.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Friend got stabbed and I was the only one with him. If some nervous student is reading this though, don't bug out. Was a bit of a freak accident; wrong place at the wrong time. It's a safe town overall. Besides, he has a gnarly scar now.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Become part of the University, but also make time to get outside of it.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Philosophy: Existential Philosophy, Nietzsche
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments: I can no longer remember specific names of professors, or the specifics of the classes, but I do remember that they were excellent. I know that isn't very helpful, but if philosophy is of interest to a student, then Rhodes is definitely a good place to take it. Upper level classes were held in seminars, which were personal and welcoming, resulting in a nearly constant discussion between students, and helpful/friendly input by professors, making it an incredibly rewarding/enjoyable experience. Come to think of it, my seminar on Nietzsche was one of the best classes I've taken, with the discussions and professor beating out almost all of the classes I've taken in the States.
Credit Transfer Issues: Yea, but you'll have to work this out with your University; it differs for each.

Comments

Hi Will, You're right. Grahamstown is a college town and relatively safe. As with anywhere in the US or World, staff cannot always be there when students go out, and, unforeseen situations can happen even at home. However, I did want to update you that we do have staff onsite now. Thanks for the feedback. I'm happy that your philosophy course was so good even if the workload was less.

Interstudy August 18, 2010