South Africa was An Amazing Experience! University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritz Past Review
By Kathleen S (Environmental Science, University of Denver) for
University of KwaZulu-Natal / UKZN: Durban - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned how to cope with culture shock and to understand new cultures. I wish I had learned the local language and travelled more throughout South Africa. Overall, I had an amazing time and I would love to visit the country again in the future.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I enjoyed most of my courses because of the subject matter as well as the overall context of the course. For example, learning about development in a developing nation was very intriguing. The professors and fellow peers were overall helpful with questions about the subject matter. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I have to say that I had a terrible experience with the host country program administration (meaning the University's official staff). When it came to signing up for classes, some of the staff was rude and very unhelpful when basic questions could be answered. My personal Interstudy program director in South Africa was absolutely amazing and helpful. She would be there whenever I needed help with certain things. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved the area in which my dorm was located. It was also nice to mingle with local students. However I wish I would have made closer relationships in order to learn languages. Some of my dormmates were not friendly. |
| * Food: |
The food outside of campus was delicious; lots of variety and taste. There was no dorm food to critique. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made very many local friends outside of my dorm, which was helpful with travel outside of the country. I'm very satisfied with the relationships and connections I made. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Health issues may have been mentioned in the beginning of the program, and I had no health issues. I felt relatively safe throughout the program, there were times when I was in a compromising situations, which I quickly got out of. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Through Interstudy, I learned about new cultures, lifestyles and languages. If you have the chance to study abroad, do so and keep Africa in mind. There are plenty of things to learn while abroad and you'll make lasting friendships. |
