Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Multicultural Cape Town Past Review

By (Urban Studies/Affairs., Trinity University) - abroad from 07/02/2013 to 11/22/2013 with

University of the Western Cape / UWC: Cape Town - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much personally. I grew into an adult in Cape Town and made so many great friends there. It was definitely worthwhile to experience a new perspective on life and how the Africans do it!

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

Loved my program directors!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great apartments in Rosebank

* Food:

Many places close early but restaurants are typically open later.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Make local friends! There is no better way to see how people live there without making local friends.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Food, transport, everything is cheap!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $15 if I just went grocery shopping for the week. Going out to bars/restaurants was a little more.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook at home if you can.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My new friends
  • Hiking in Cape Town!
  • Wine tasting...
* What could be improved?
  • Academics
  • Transportation
  • Grocery stores closing early
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Winter in Cape Town is rainy and really windy!!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'