Life changing moment Past Review
By Matthew Kim (George Washington University) - abroad from 08/24/2019 to 12/04/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation
I learned a lot of South Africa, especially the country's history and politics.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Life changing experience. I learned a lot about South African history, culture, politics and society. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The office was spacious with good wifi, kitchen, and etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I stayed in three homestays. I lived in Cato Manor township, rural Zulu area and Newlands area. By staying in these areas, I was able to learn about local South African culture. |
| * Food: |
The food was great. I especially loved Zulu food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
By staying in different homestays and interacting with different experts, I learned more in depth about South Africa. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
SIT was very good with keeping students safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It was great. I learned in depth about South Africa. I was exposed to locals and South African literature. |
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) |
Very easy |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I recommend to live with others and dive the rent. |
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 |
The program recommended us to speak Zulu in rural homestay. |
| 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? | Practice with locals. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I wish I knew that I was going to to do Independent Study Project on Youth Perspective of Nelson Mandela. |
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 LinguistYou 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: |
Research Method |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Imraan Baccus |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | I worked with my advisor, Kiru Naidoo. Closely working with him, I had a chance to interview local university students and write what they think about Nelson Mandela. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
