Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

There's a chicken in the bathroom... Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 12/04/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
More than I could have ever imagined and indescribable with words. More than worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academically, the courses were fair but the ISP was one of the most challenging assignments of my career. As far as resources go, they are unlimited with the team there.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Academic Director and former Academic Director were outstanding. The most supportive and enthusiastic team.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Not to say they were always comfortable, but I learned to enjoy them.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I needed a prescription filled last minute and they were able to get it overnight.

* Safety:

Durban is safe, for the most part. But the rules your mother always taught you like not walking by yourself at night and become VERY real. I never felt in any danger, but necklaces being snatched off of girls' necks on the street was a common occurrence in our group. My advice would be to keep it low key and stay conscious of how locals could target you.

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)

The exchange rate made living in South Africa more than affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? share cabs and don't be afraid of public transportation

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? Talk to your host families!

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host families
  • Amount of travel
  • academic opportunity
* What could be improved?
  • Communication of plans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What to pack! They give you a packing list for when you're staying with host families but forget to mention that when you live on your own you'll have more time to go out and be a tourist. Ask alumni for packing advice!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.