Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Would love to return, studying in Durban was the best experience of my LIFE! Past Review

By (African American & African Studies, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) for

University of KwaZulu-Natal / UKZN: Durban - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I loved it, it was worth every penny.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Anita VanSoelen was the advisor. She was simply superb! Like a mom or young cool grandma/auntie.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Can cook your own food. I like cooking so that worked perfect because I know what I like. No meal plans available.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very welcoming city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Dont go in areas locals tell you not to go in. Act like you belong, no one should bother you.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Focus on meeting people and do the things the locals like to do. You will have fun braaing (barbequing) going out on Florida Road, and enjoying the beaches. Durban is a laid back atmosphere. Take things slow, and just relax.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Cinema Studies
Course Department: MECS: 301
Instructor: Giuditta Toniolo
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was taught in lecture style with movies watched once a week. Interesting course, but since entertainment is highly based on American/Hollywood movies this class teaches mostly American cinema. Not the best course if looking for global cinema perspective although there were a couple of movies that were not American. Also another straight forward course with bi-weekly 20 question quizzes; take home exam, film review assignment and a final exam that is part multiple choice and essay. Great course, however very large for my liking. About 150-200 students and lectures are in power point format which can be found on the online course website. Loved the professor's teaching style, highly organized.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, considered as 4 credits at home institution. Was considered an upper division elective.
Course Name/Rating:

Local Knowledge Systems and Development Theories
Course Department: ANTH 701
Instructor: Anand Singh, Gerelene Jagganath
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Challenging course that involves two terms taught by 2 instructors. Best for 4th year students, and class consisted of 6 students. Learned a great amount from this course and I wish I took it before my Senior Thesis. We were required to give presentations on our readings which were beneficial to learning the material. Professors had very high standards, and course was challenging and insightful.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, it transferred as 4 credits at my home institution and worked as an Upper Division required elective.
Course Name/Rating:

Topics in African History
Course Department: HIST 301
Instructor: Vukile Kumalo, Julie Parle
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was ambiguous choice as the topics change if there are different professor teaching for the semester. Learned many different topics in one semester as the credit load was very large. Required 2- 12 page research papers on topics that were taught in each term. Course also had a final exam in essay format. Very straight forward exam, all essay questions were used as topic questions for each week. No surprises there. Required to present once in each term on an assigned reading for 5-10 minutes. Great course overall, but should only take if you are ready for a large course load.
Credit Transfer Issues: No, this course was worth the equivalent of 2 courses at my home institution (8 credits). But check first, some universities do not accept giving more than 4 credits per course no matter what the abroad institution names it.