Study Abroad at University of KwaZulu-Natal Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although much of my learning occurred outside the classroom, I really enjoyed the readings I was given. They not only applied to the class well but they helped me to better understand South Africa as a whole.

On-site administration of your program

The Program administration was really kind and nice, but he didn't really help me to the degree that others at the school did. I made friends with students from other programs so I utilized their services instead of my own since I didn't really have any. All of what I did abroad was done pretty much on my own, save for going out to dinner a few times.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a one room dorm in an apartment-style building with four people on each floor. There were two floors in my building and the top had a kitchen and toilet with bathtub and my floor had a bathroom with a shower. I lived in upper-class housing, designated the Honors (fourth year) housing. I lived in Denison Residence in the Winelands in Muratie Room 1. The residence was really nice but so far away from everything, including classes and other facilities. Also, there was no internet available in the residences and it was about a ten minute walk to reach it. This was never mentioned. <br /><br /> It was really nice but too secluded from other students my age. Since everyone was older and working on what is the American equivalent to first year of masters, it was difficult to make friends.

It was kind of difficult to cook our own food in a foreign country. Unfortunately, it was difficult to get to the grocery store from my residence (like a 20 minute walk each way plus having to carry what we purchased). Food was rather inexpensive though so it was almost better that it wasn't included in the program fee.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I learned the most from my non-academic experiences. I was able to travel extensively across South Africa and into Lesotho and Swaziland. Although I did do a lot of traveling, I was able to spend time with those living in Pietermaritzburg to the extent that I still keep in contact with them. One thing I do regret is that I didn't appreciate Pietermaritzburg and all that it had to offer until the end of my trip. I spent many of my first weekends in my room watching American movies and feeling as though there was nothing to do in PMB. About three weeks before I was due to leave, I began to appreciate what the city had to offer me and I really regret that I didn't get to appreciate it as well as I should have.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It is very interesting because some of my reverse culture shock has to do with my safety concerns. Pietermaritzburg was like any large city in South Africa where it wasn't safe to walk alone at night or sometimes even during the day. I was almost mugged with three other friends and as a girl it was safer for me to walk with males than other females. When I returned to America, I realize that I've retained that constant looking over the shoulder habit that I adopted while in South Africa. Although it may sound scary, the safety in Pietermaritzburg and South Africa as a whole was no different than in any other city; you just need to be smart about where you go and what you do when you do it.

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

My English didn't improve at all but my Afrikaans and my Zulu were introduced and grasped.

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• Apartment

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• International Students