" South Africa, An Epic Journey to my homeland" Past Review
By Felesia S (Biotechnology/Forensic Science, Southwest Tennessee Community College) for
Tennessee Consortium for International Studies (TnCIS): Traveling - TnCIS in South Africa
My study abroad experience changed my whole perspective of the world in which we live. I learned more on my trip than I ever learned in my high school years, which shows me it is never too late to learn and never too late to change. I am so much more grateful and this trip encouraged me to put action behing my words because talking about it is one thing, but actually doing shows concern.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work required of us was minimun but very critical. It taught us to see another world and culture and helped us to understand the history of the country through our own eys. There was deep, yet educating instuction and allowed us to really participate in class discussions. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I have no complaints about the host country. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The hostile in Capetown was the only bad experience. The white Afrikaners were diffifult to deal with. They deprived us of heat and hot water the entire visit there and seemed to not have a concern. |
| * Food: |
Try all foods. But I would stay away from foods that are at the outside vendors for sanitary reasons. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My most memorable adventure was the safari trip and the Slave Lodge. The slave lodge along with the District 6 movement was inspiring and very educational |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
We felt very secure. With rules and regulations already established, I felt very safe in the country. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 350.00 American dollors |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would suggest taking more than enough money. Anything could happen with your bank over seas and it is difficult to resolve such matters while over there. You can never estimate the expenses of shopping, but I wish I had more money to bring back more souvenirs |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | My words of wisdom would be to open your mind and heart to new experiences. Be appreciative and take less for granted. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
African American Literature |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Dr. Irby |
| Instruction Language: | |
| Comments: | The course was very informational and not challenging at all because of the hands on experience of being in South Africa. The teacher had traveled there several times before and was well knowledgable about the country and the history, as well as what to expect. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | no |
