UCT is the place to be January 07, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academic rigor comparable to Middlebury. Far more variety in course offerings. Larger class sizes and less individualized support. All courses were composed of a lecture section taught by a professor and a "tutorial" section which was a smaller chunk of the class, was typically taught by a graduate student, and would work on problem sets or discussion depending on the type of course.

On-site administration of your program

Slow to respond to emails, but provided all the clarification and help you might need.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a dorm with other students at the University of Cape Town. I shared a double with a local student but there were also single options and the option to find your own housing. The dorm was the nicest dorm I have ever seen, with fingerprint scanners to get into the building and a massive kitchen on each of the 7 floors.

I was off the meal plan so I cooked for myself. The cost of living in Cape Town is quite affordable with the US-Rand exchange rate so it's possible to eat out more than at home.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think people prefer to socialize with those who speak their native language and with the people they have been friends with for years. People are generally a lot friendlier in Cape Town than in New England, but my close friendships were with other exchange students who were also looking for company.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No vaccines required but if you go to Parton Health they may recommend a couple shots. Over the counter medication is much cheaper there. I did not have an experience with going to a doctor in South Africa so I can't speak to that.

I never had a problem with safety, but if you are careless, someone might steal your phone or wallet. Generally in an unfamiliar place in Cape Town I would suggest going with other people and keeping your phone in your pockets when possible. Try not to look lost and people will think you belong.

If you want to study abroad in Cape Town, South Africa, you have 3 options: direct enrollment, the CIEE program, and the IES program. Enrolling directly is about half the cost of going through one of these other programs for essentially the same experience. The main differences are that you have to find housing yourself (you can just go through the university for housing, they may take a while but they will give you housing) and you will live with local students instead of exchange students (the other exchange students are a 5 minute uber away).

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

Affordable cost compared to USA and Middlebury. BUT Middlebury should really give students financial aid on external programs. It's a matter of equity.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Local Students

• they have an awesome mountain club at UCT!!
• met lots of people from South Africa and around the world

• Middlebury financial aid abroad
• Middlebury financial aid abroad
• Middlebury financial aid abroad