Insightful Time in Colorful Durban Past Review
By Faith O (Anthropology., Trinity University) - abroad from 08/23/2013 to 12/06/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation
Absolutely worthwhile. I gained priceless knowledge about South African culture and history.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
LOVE LOVE LOVED the homestays. However, they were challenging at points and I encourage whoever decides to do this program to go in with a really open mind. |
| * Food: |
Except certain traditional Zulu dishes, everything was amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This really depends on how much advantage you take of your opportunities there while on your own time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My program advisor's wife is a doctor and was readily available to help any of us. |
| * Safety: |
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| 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 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | A little less than 100$ per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget yourself and don't spend all your money on souvenirs at the beginning |
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 |
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| 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? | College level spansih |
| 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? | Introduce yourself in Zulu wherever you go and try to start conversations. |
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? | How to fully utilize my time alone. |
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.' |
