Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics were just alright. Learning Xhosa, which I had been excited about, turned out to be awful and boring. The instructors weren't well versed in the most effective teaching methods, and "copy this down while I talk at you for two hours" just doesn't work for me and then I forgot everything after the tests. That said, SIT did book some really incredible speakers for the topic based lectures, especially the research methodology professor from the University of Cape Town. No need to do much of the readings and most written work can be effectively faked if you look like you earnestly tried.

On-site administration of your program

The Student Liason, Thabisa, is a wonderful woman who makes everything run smoothly- you'll grow to love her. Shane, the director, is a pain to everyone and is generally disliked by students.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hostels and Host Families (4) <br /><br /> 1-2 bad hostels but the rest was great! I loved living with families of such different backgrounds.

Everything was delicious, but especially with Xhosa families, food was generally high fat, high calorie and came in huge portions that I was expected to eat all of.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Not thrilled with the American students on my program.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Lets be blunt- minibus travel is unsafe but a built in part of the program. You just learn to be hopeful for your safety, but its how things are all over Africa and there isn't much you can do. SIT does provide chartered vans for much of your stay.

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

In South Africa, knowing English is all you need, though I would have liked to have learned xhosa better.

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• Host Family

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• Americans