Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Once in a lifetime experience Past Review

By (Mathematics, Georgetown University) - abroad from 06/19/2012 to 08/13/2012 with

ThinkImpact: South Africa Institute for Health or Social Innovation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself, my limits my comfort zone, but also that i can go out in the world and be ok. I learned how to be a more patient person, I experienced so many new things. It was definitely 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:

The food was great, there wasn't much variety but whatever we did eat was consistently amazing.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 30$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy your snacks at the supermarket and try not to go crazy souvenir shopping. Also most of your money goes to your phone bill.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were the village with the weekly language classes

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? It's a hard language to learn, I basically learned how to say hello goodbye and a couple of phrases. It's nice to speak to the villagers in their language and they appreciate the effort

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 people
  • the location
  • the mentality
* What could be improved?
  • the prep-work
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known more about South Africa before I got there

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.