A profoundly life-sharpening and globalizing experience. Past Review
By Carly K (Speech-Language Pathology, Baylor University) - abroad from 02/16/2015 to 06/24/2015 with
Rhodes University: Grahamstown - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Goodness, I learned SO much from my experience abroad. I learned so much about South African culture, a lot of European countries' cultures, and people around the world. I learned what it's like to not have water nor electricity for hours. I learned how to love people deeper and wider, and how to appreciate every small detail of each person's life journey. I learned how to not be afraid to try new things and to be more open-minded. I am really going to miss South Africa- it was by far one of the very best decisions I've ever made. If you are considering studying abroad, DO IT! Seriously. It's the most incredible adventure.
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. |
Academically, Rhodes is a rigorous university. It is rated one of the best universities in the country, and lecturers at Rhodes are very educated. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Most things were very organized at the beginning of the semester when we first got here, but as the semester went on, we, as exchange students, just kinda figured things out as we went. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a residence (American equivalent to a dorm) and literally loved walking alongside 62 girls everyday! It was so communal and such a beautiful place to live for 5 months. |
| * Food: |
Traditional African meals are so yummy! There's pap/sodza, dumplings, chicken, rice, mince, fetkoek, veggies, and more! Our dining hall's food wasn't always incredible, as per usual, but when you actually go out to eat or have someone cook for you it is so good! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Wow. South Africa is extremely different than America! And with apartheid only abolished in 1994, there is still a lot of racism (unofficially) present in the country. People are extremely friendly though, and I have thoroughly loved spending my past several months in a place so welcoming and warm and open. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any health issues, but one of the other exchange students broke her leg and the hospital gave her surgery. However, ambulances here are famous for taking a long time to get to an incident scene, about 1-2 hours sometimes. |
| * Safety: |
South Africa is not a very safe country, self-proclaimed by so many of its citizens. The majority of my friends just always told me to be aware and alert, and nothing ever happened to me fortunately. I do have some friends who got mugged during the semester though, as crime and theft are very real here. Just make sure to always lock your door, close your window, and to never have an iPhone (or smartphone) out in public. |
| 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) |
5. South Africa's currency, Rands, is a lot less strong than the US Dollar. So everything here is really cheap for Americans. Right now it's about 12 Rand to 1 US Dollar. For an easy comparison, a fancy cup of coffee (like macchiato, cappuccino, latte, etc.) here is typically 15-20 Rand. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Probably about $20-$30 USD, if that. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Hmmm, well if you come here or to anywhere whose currency is weaker than the USD, be careful that you don't blow all your money just because everything seems cheap. That's really easy to do, because you feel like you're getting such a good deal. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I can't think of anything, maybe to bring some more winter clothes. It doesn't get super super cold here, but some days it can be in the 30's fahrenheit, and I didn't bring too many clothes for that. |
