Interstudy: Grahamstown - Rhodes University Photo

South Africa: Preparing for the Unexpected

A Study Abroad Program Review For

Interstudy: Grahamstown - Rhodes University

Program Information

Rhodes University is an internationally respected educational center of excellence, modeled after the British tutorial system at Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Rhodes provides students with a close-knit community feel both in and out of the classroom. The university offers a small campus, with small class ... More

Provider: Interstudy
Location(s): Grahamstown, South Africa
Year Founded: 1980
Website Take me there!
This program currently has no photos.

Review By:

Joseph B. (Environmental Science, Gettysburg College) on August 07, 2011

Overall Rating

Personal Information

* Start Date: 2011-01-27
* End Date: 2011-06-28
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

For men, go to Guy Butler. Great atmosphere and great, approachable staff.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Gettysburg College prepare and support you for your time abroad?

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
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Local Students

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? TRAVEL!! Get some kids together that are interested in seeing the country, rent a car, get a bus, have a friend drive you, or find some other way to see the rest of the country. There is an overwhelming amount of cultural and natural wonders hidden throughout the country!
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? Extremely. Being thrown into a culture and having close to no background in the country before hand, I was forced to integrate and make friends with people with completely different backgrounds than that which I have been used to. During the process, I made several life changing observations concerning both the world around me, and how I personally defined myself. I fully recommend this trip to anyone who is willing to be thrown into situations where they may not have full control or knowledge of what is to come.