Great experience, but do your research! Past Review
By A student (Community Organization and Advocacy, Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 01/23/2019 to 05/08/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Multiculturalism and Human Rights
It was worthwhile. I made some lasting connections and learned a lot about a world that isn't always talked about.
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. |
I definitely learned a lot about South Africa's History! There were numerous guest lecturers from different fields and it was VERY informative. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program administration is so kind and understanding! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
If you like chicken, you are in for a treat! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We did stay in numerous home-stays that allowed us to integrate in that regards. However, there was a lot of times that made it hard to interact outside of the program group. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Cape Town is like any other big city in the world. Use the same precaution as you would in other cities. Be polite to the people living on the streets and they will not give you a hard time. |
| 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) |
It was not hard! SIT gives you a stipend every few weeks for lunch and other meals. Be smart about the currency differences in the first few weeks and it will benefit you the rest of the time. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | USD 15 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try other restaurants that are not "American" inspired! You can find a lot of bargain but tasty places in Cape Town. You just have to do your research. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
X'hosa is a beautiful language! Take advantage of your home-stays and practice! |
| 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? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Have small conversations with your home-stay families! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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? | What to actually pack! |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
