South Africa was an eye opening experience that prepared me for future challenges. Past Review

By Miles R (Psychology, Gettysburg College) for

Rhodes University: Grahamstown - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My cultural awareness was dramatically shaped by my abroad experience. Seeing how much of the world lives (in the 3rd world) is eye opening and an important reality check. Gaining insight in our world and personal humility were at the forefront this experience. Everyone should travel abroad, and if you come from America, it would be advisable to go somewhere other than a beach paradise or a rich European area which would do little to broaden your horizons or challenge you.

Review Photos

Rhodes University: Grahamstown - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

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.	The workload was far less than at my school in America. There was very little incentive to attend class. The educational system was quite different. Tremendous weight was placed on the final exam, and very little on everything preceding it. It encouraged procrastination.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Support was adequate at best. I felt alone and responsible for figuring things out for myself. After they got me "settled" there was little to no communication for the rest of the semester.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I had a single in a dorm with mostly all South Africans, and one French student. The walk into town was 10 minutes, similar to the walk to class. No kitchen. Friendly kids in my res hall.
* Food:	The food was scarce and of poor quality for the most part.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Easily the best aspect of my abroad experience. Travel and culture were the most memorable part of my trip. The Grahamstown Arts Festival was spectacular, music off campus, safari, and general travel were unforgettable experiences!
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	If you're a guy, you're Ok as long as you don't stray too far off campus at night. If you're a girl, never go out alone in the evening. If you are white, do not go far from campus, and never wander into townships unaccompanied. In terms of health care, I had to go to Grahamstown hospital for a cut in my head, and the hospital was in horrible condition. It was a public hospital, and they had no ice for my bruise. After waiting over an hour, they gave me a shot or two and that's all. Avoid public hospitals in SA at all costs.
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 International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	If you are interested in being personally responsible for yourself, for traveling and making your own arrangements, then this is for you. If you want to live with tons of other Americans and have the program hold your hand, this is not the program for you.