Intellectually expansive; emotionally challenging. Past Review

By Justin B (Sociology., Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/29/2014 to 12/11/2014 with

SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Multiculturalism and Human Rights

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

I gained a deeper understanding of 'post'-apartheid South Africa. I learned about the intricacies of operating a multicultural nation - its challenges, complications, etc. I learned about local cultures and their complications with representation in a multicultural state. It was definitely worthwhile. I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else.

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$100

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Other Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	homestays location independent study
* What could be improved?	organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	There is very little down time to process everything that is happening. That would have been nice to prepare for I guess.

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 Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Multiculturalism & Human Rights
Course Department:	AFRS
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	The instructors well very smart in discussing the topic at hand. I would say I participated more in class that at my home institution but only because the class was very small.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Narratives of Identity & Social Change
Course Department:	Sociology
Instructor:
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Most professors were very engaging and really well versed in the topics at hand. This course helped to make sense of local identities in South Africa, contextualizing them within the framework of the multiculturalism and human rights course. This class was assessed with papers.
Credit Transfer Issues: