Past Review
By maya s (africana studies, Simmons College) for
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation
A new perspective that will better prepare me to begin my adult life.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Spring 2009 |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Our Academic advisor was wonderful as was our other seminar teachers. I learned a lot through being in South Africa an connecting with South Africans. That was what was most important to me. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Being in South Africa made things difficult to get done smoothly. The trouble with the administration was more due to the fact that outside forces in SA were making things difficult |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with zulu speaking families in Durban and the rural area. The rural area had no running water or electricity. The homestays were a challenge but were very rewarding and great learning experiences |
| * Food: |
I did not enjoy the food |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like I was learning all the time. My social life consisted of spending time with local friends but due to the fact that they don't have any money rarely "went out" rather we got an intimate glimpse into their world through spending time in the township, and immersing ourselves in their culture. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Being in Durban and going to the places we were going you have to accept a different level of saftey. I was never scared exactly but I was often reminded that i was not completley safe. public transportation (mini bus taxis) were very dangerous, and they were the was i got around Durban. South Africa is hectic, you just keep up with the faster pace. It can be extremly stressful! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
|
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You have to be the right kind of person for this program. You have to be prepared to challenge yourself, and get outside of your comfort zone. |
