“And if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” -Nelson Mandela Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

UCT education is what you make of it. You are not held accountable for completing readings or attending class nor are you given frequent assignments that force you to stay up to date with material. Students who do not keep up, however, have tremendous difficulty on exams. Exams are Middlebury caliber or more difficult but with much less preparation and resources/study materials provided. There are no textbooks to supplement lecture materials. It is a very different educational model which forces you to take initiative for your own learning / academic goals.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Sufficient and satisfying integration into Cape Town culture required a completely open mind and very adaptable demeanor.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any issues with health while abroad. A few friends of mine who did, however, said IDACA promptly scheduled them appointments with local physicians. But that effectiveness and ease of medical system in South Africa relative to in States was frustrating.

South Africa is not safe for people who appear out of place--robberies, muggings, etc. are commonplace. The homeless constantly pester for money. However, after learning the lay of the land and being able to walk around confidently, I was comfortable and felt safe almost 100% of the time.

Choosing to direct enroll was my commitment to the self-fulfilling prophecy of total integration into South African culture. Lack of American safety net was essential to the experience.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Cape Town is very affordable--especially on campus food options. UCT provides an education to many students from low-income families in South African townships or more rural towns in adjacent countries so requirements of classes reflect this (textbooks not required).

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

Required by home institution to take local language course - no encouragement by program whatsoever, as English is the official language.

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• Apartment

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• The people
• Cape Town's dense international diversity
• Prevailing Cape Town attitude of open-mindedness and cooperation

• Support/instruction during initial course enrollment and UCT orientation

The Avid Adventurer