No words to describe how incredible it was. Past Review

By (Chapman University) - abroad from 03/02/2017 to 07/15/2017 with

Arcadia: Cape Town - University of Cape Town

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about another culture and met amazing people who will always have an impact on me. It was 100% worthwhile and I am so lucky to have been given this opportunity. I will be talking about this experience for the rest of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program administrator was never really around so she did not do much for us, we were on our own.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was a little run down, but kept us safe and was a great living environment overall.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unfortunately, I did not mingle as much as I would have liked to with the locals, but I did learn a lot about the culture through my program's class and excursions.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

HIV is very prevalent so it is something to look out for. Overall I did not use it so I cannot say, but it is different than at home.

* Safety:

The city has a very high crime rate, but as long as you are aware and do not walk around at night alone then you will be fine. I was not harmed the whole time I was there.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Despite the fact that there were some parts that were confusing, we did so many fun activities that I know other programs did not do.

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)

It is very cheap. I spent about $1000 a month, but I also did a lot of extreme activities and trips that would have been a lot more expensive in the states. Easy to stay on a budget though if need be.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Know what you want to buy and how much you are willing to spend. I spent a lot of money but I knew that going in and I do not regret it. Do not worry about costs the whole time you are there or else you will not have fun. If you make a budget and stick to it, you will have a worth while time. I always say that you can make more money later, so spend it when you are abroad and enjoy the experiences.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International 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?
  • People
  • Activities
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Information about the program before we got there
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How everything will work out in the end even if things are hard at the beginning.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.