Stellenbosch, South Africa: A Land Worth Learning About Past Review
By Marlee C (Geography/Political Science, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for
Stellenbosch University: Stellenbosch - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
YES! I gained a better understanding of where my perceptions were coming from, and how skewed many of them were. South Africa is full of different cultures, each one different and beautiful at the same time. I wish I could have stayed a year instead of a semester. I traveled around southern Africa for over a month, but did not get even close to seeing everything I wanted. I plan on continuing my education in African politics, and will hopefully work in this wonderful country someday.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had an average workload, but classes were intellectually challenging. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Help was always there if I needed it, and very helpful with traveling/cultural inclusion tips. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a student housing complex, which was like a self-catering apartment. My housing situation was set up by ISEP. It was a nice place to live, but I would have liked to have lived with more South African students, as opposed to other international students. Any store you may need as well as a great nightlife are within easy walking distance. A train which runs to cape town for about $4 round trip is also within walking distance. |
| * Food: |
Food quality is good and inexpensive with the American dollar. Pubs offer some of the best food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Visit local townships if possible. Stellenbosch's international office offers programs that work with local students, which was the highlight of my study abroad experience. Renting a car is always a cheap and fun way to spend a weekend exploring. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Stellenbosch has a safe feel compared to many South African cities, but I was warned often to be careful at night , and to of course never walk alone after dark. There are security guards that will escort you home if needed from campus. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
It was difficult to practice Afrikaans when the majority of people will speak English upon recognizing your nationality. Attempt to speak Afrikaans to strangers as much as possible, and they will appreciate it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Stellenbosch is an amazing place to study, but certainly does not represent all of South Africa. It is a wealthy, highly white university. This is not to say you will not learn a lot about the country from going there, but traveling is essential. Stellenbosch is in the perfect location, with Cape Town a half hour away, and amazing scenery everywhere you look. If you like the outdoors, go to Stellenbosch. If you like wine, DEFINITELY go to Stellenbosch. The atmosphere of this college town with welcome you with open arms. |
