Study Abroad in South Africa, Best Decision I Ever Made Past Review
By A student () for
AIFS: Stellenbosch - Study Abroad or Service Learning at Stellenbosch University
I honestly couldn't have asked for a better trip. I felt like a different person, for the better, coming home. I would go back in a heartbeat, that country and the people I met will always be with me.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Work load was similar, grading system was different but fair, teaching methods were similar, didn't take any main-stream classes so there was no language barrier. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Dont have one bad thing to say about this program, i absolutely loved it. The size of the program was perfect, you got to really bond with everyone you met. AIFS coordinator, Hestea De Wet, was absolutely amazing and so supportive. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
You will go out to dinner a lot, but the food is delicious! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All trips provided by our program were amazing, there was a welcoming event where we got to meet so many new people and was lots of fun. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
I never felt directly unsafe or threatened. Obviously South Africa has a high crime rate and you can't act stupid or do anything dangerous, but if you use common sense and act smart you will be completely fine. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Language acquisition improvement? |
English was spoken everywhere, I took two language classes which was fun but you could definitely get by without it |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Enjoy every second, immerse yourself in the culture, meet as many locals as you can, and don't waste your weekends being hungover! Make the most of the time you have! |