Lose yourself at the End of the world Past Review

By (Management/Global Perspectives, Bentley University) - abroad from 07/12/2012 to 12/18/2012 with

University of Cape Town: Cape Town - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being in Southern Africa opened my eyes to a much different way of thinking. I met a lot of people with very different goals and mentalities than I was accustomed to, and I loved it.

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.

UCT is a much more difficult school than what people assume. Challenging culturally and educationally

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

No Bentley help what so ever, but the host university was great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

No better housing possible in the study abroad program. Student homes off campus, in student neighborhoods.

* Food:

Love ZA food

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was quick and painless South Africans are very accepting of Americans

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Well addressed, never needed

* Safety:

Not the safest place, need to stay on your toes, but that adds to the excitement.

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)

Exchange rate is very good, but there are a lot of little hidden costs that add up.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Watch out for Internet charges, shop at Pick N Pay

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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 People I met
  • The Places I went
  • The school
* What could be improved?
  • Grade Transfering
  • Bentley's requirements at the the University
  • Better understanding of UCT's academic culture and courses by Bentley
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How cold their winter's actually are, and How to travel around the area

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'