Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I feel that most of the differences I encountered were because I was going from a small college to a large university, changes that I would have encountered if I had stayed in the US. The upper level 300 courses I found to me most similar to my courses at home, they were much smaller and more hands-on learning while the lower 100 and 200 level courses were large lecture style. The amount of work one had varied with the classes... overall I got the same grades I did in the states while still traveling and enjoying my time abroad. The grading is a bit shocking at first, I got a 63 on my first paper only to find out that it is relative to a B-!

On-site administration of your program

Anita is the mother hen of all interstudy students in Durban. She is amazing and I was so glad to have her. She first worked out all of our schedules with UKZN so we had little trouble signing up for classes (which is quite the process). She was always there in her office to help you plan adventures, assist you if anything went wrong, or even just to chat with. She is as invested and interested in your life as if you were one of her own children... she is a fabulous addition to the program.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At first I was a bit uneasy about living in a dorm situation because I was under the impression we would be living in a flat. Once I experienced it a bit, I came to love it. I wouldn't have studied abroad any differently because it really made it easier to meet and mingle with the locals... it combines the benefits of a host family and a flat with other Americans. Everyone had their own room which was nice when you needed some alone time. There was a kitchen, laundry room, and bathrooms on each floor. Bedding and some dishes are provided, but you have to buy your own pots and pans and such so be prepared for that... we all shared some the semester I went and then donated them at the end but it depends on the group. Considering you are on campus, you are very close to classes and the computer labs (the only place to get internet is in the LANs or the library so be aware). A cab is necessary to go downtown or you can take a taxi for cheap if it is during the day, just make sure you talk to a local about how to use them and where to go before adventuring out on them.

For the most part you cook your own food, but that doesn't mean you won't buy out. There are a number of carts around campus that sell the most delicious and cheap Indian food for lunch (my favorites were the veggi cart behind Shepstone, the bunnychow cart in the front of the garden and the cart in the garden). There are also 2 cafes on campus to get food at. If you want to venture out Florida Road is a great place to go, Taco Zulu for mexican, Spigadoro's for italian, and beanbag was another great place. Closer to campus I would recommend Yossi's for great Moroccan food and Delux for amazing burgers. There are other great places, but you will explore and find your own.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As a group, all the interstudy students go away on a weekend trip. We went to a game reserve and then the next night we went to a Zulu village by horseback. It was a really great time and the accommodations were great. It was nice to do something as a group because after being there for a couple months we had separated a bit and found our own groups and friends to hang out with so it was fun to come back together again and learn from each other. The Zulu cultural village was an amazing experience, it wasn't something I would have planned for myself as a weekend trip but I am so glad I got to experience it and learn about the culture and the people.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As with traveling in any major city, one must be aware of your surroundings. If you are going to wander around aimlessly flaunting money you are going to get into trouble. There are streets you shouldn't walk down and places you should avoid but you learn that quickly. As a female you should never walk around alone at night, even if you are walking across campus. With that said, I never felt that unsafe nor did I feel restricted/confined. You can go out and do whatever you want, you just have to be smart about it. Regarding health care, I never really needed any serious assistance, the university clinic was good enough for me. I will say that the water and all food is fine to eat in the city unlike what some professionals might tell you before you leave. When you travel it is a good idea to check out the water situation but while 'home' you are fine, I never got sick once.

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

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students