Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

- Not as much reading as I am used to, - grading system harsher, - hands-off teaching method, - deadly bureaucracy, - weak support system, i.e. counseling & therapy

On-site administration of your program

The administrators were friendly and made themselves available to us, but they weren't very helpful with my academic problems. All they could do was suggest I talk to my professors but did not get involved themselves. I guess that's to be expected.

Frightening location. Wish I could have been housed with a mix of South African and international students. I liked the apartments though and I liked living near other people from my program.

I'm vegetarian, which was not difficult at all in Cape Town. Eat at Royale!!!! It's so good for vegetarians and omnivores alike. Africa Cafe is worth checking out even though it's touristy. Umm say hey to Josh at the Brass Bell for me. Oh and get the Ethiopian lady's number. She cooks up a great meal for guests in the living room of her apartment in Mowbray. But don't eat out too much; it's not worth it. The food is very similar to food available in America. I highly, HIGHLY recommend that you buy groceries and cook most of your meals. Pack your lunch and bring it to campus. Spend your money on cooler stuff!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was glad to visit Robben Island. Get to as many beaches as possible! Wish I had spent more time at the beach. Climb Table Mountain! And make South Africa friends, I mean it! You didn't go to South Africa to stay in your comfort zone. Duh.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Don't travel alone. Do not! Carry a purse with a zipper, preferably one with a strap that goes across your chest. Don't leave your belongings unsupervised even for a moment. I got pick-pocketed and I got my camera stolen while I was in Cape Town. It was due mostly to my own stupidity--didn't follow the above advice. But Cape Town is not a safe city, and you will have to get used to people asking you for money every day, all the time. If you have some spare change and there's a corner store close by, I recommend you buy them that loaf of bread. But that's just me.

How well did University of Pennsylvania prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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

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• Apartment

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• Americans