Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An amazing unique experience! Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., St. Cloud State University) - abroad from 02/28/2012 to 03/12/2012 with

St. Cloud State University: South Africa - ETHS 305 - South Africa/US Relations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to experience a whole different culture and realized that I take so many things for granted here in the United States! I learned more about South Africa and about myself! It was completely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Eating out every night got kind of expensive

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $275

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
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?
  • The country was beautiful!
  • The people were awesome!
  • Safaris
* What could be improved?
  • The schedule was a bit too packed
  • Less time on a tour bus, more with South Africans
  • Spend a day volunteering
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light and and cool, but do bring a sweatshirt or two! Bring extra camera batteries!