Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Transformative Journey in South Africa Past Review

By (Health: Science, Society, and Policy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/21/2015 to 12/03/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Community Health and Social Policy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My journey in South Africa was a humbling one. I learned about the health system, explored a topic of interest during my independent study project, and made friends and family that will last a lifetime. My host families openly shared their personal experiences with me, which not only taught me about their traditions and culture, but helped me to live them.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? The best way to practice the language is to speak it with your host family. They love when you show them what you have learned and teach you more along the way.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • The host families
  • The friends I made
  • The educational excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Non-homestay accommodations
  • Better scheduling of assignment due dates
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how to pack more efficiently for constantly moving around.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'