Change your perspective on the world and have fun in S. Africa Past Review
By Christine R (Economics; Environmental Studies, University of Virginia) for
Study Abroad Programs in South Africa
It is an amazing program that really makes you think about the way things are in the world and has you analyze things through ways you never thought. Bob Swap, the head professor, is amazing and will help you for years to come.
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. |
You worked and lived with your professors. It was an intensive academic and growing experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It is certainly not a fully smooth planning, but that is part of studying abroad, adapting to the way things are done there. Minus a few times where we had to wait for presenters, it was overall great. The best part is the interaction with S. Africa students who joined us on our program and we got to interact with them throughout the time. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We stayed at nice hotels and at one point at a University remote campus in the savannah. Everything was great. |
| * Food: |
There are always a few things you are not used to eating, but overall, it is good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Interacting and living with local students for the durations of the trip was fantastic. Also, being a such a small study abroad program, you are really able to connect with people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I don't think health issues were brought up except to go to the travel clinic and get your shots, but it was not an issue. I felt safe throughout the program, even though I expected to feel slightly unsafe while in Johannesburg. |
| 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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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do not be put off if you are not a hardcore environmentalist. While some of the days do focus on those ideas, it is more about understanding people and how their lives are shaped by where they live. |
