Cape Town: A Love Story Past Review
By A student (Fordham University) - abroad from 01/24/2012 to 06/09/2012 with
CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences
It was very worthwhile. I gained a lot, not only academic knowledge from campus, but how to deal with cultural differences and connecting with people from drastically different backgrounds. I cannot possibly list everything I've learned but it consisted of valuable lessons about adaptability, open-mindedness, and risk-taking.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics at UCT were very difficult, but very rewarding. I took some of the most difficult classes I had ever taken in my college career, but I learned a great deal. The Political Science department is stellar. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was very good at what they did. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing was just OK, because I stayed in the dorms. The facilities were rudimentary and I didn't have the best experience with my roommates, because everyone was in and our all the time and we never really got to know each other. |
| * Food: |
The food in Cape Town is superb. There are tons of delicious restaurants and good grocery stores for you to purchase and cook your own food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt pretty integrated, but there is always room for improvement. Many of the South African students were friendly and interested in meeting Americans, but some remained aloof. It all depends on how much effort you make to get out of your comfort zone. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
All right. I didn't have any health issues but I know a few of my friends had some problems getting immediate medial attention. |
| * Safety: |
Safety in Cape Town is what you make of it. As long as your are smart (don't walk alone at night), one can be assured that they will remain relatively secure. There were a few isolated incidents with people in my program, but in general our neighborhood was relatively safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
I spent way more money in Cape Town than I thought I would! |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75-$100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | 1. Take minibus taxis when you can to save money on transportation--taxis are expensive! 2. Go in on groceries with a friend to save money on meals and minimize food waste 3. Barter on gifts and souvenirs at informal markets instead of buying them in gift shops |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Living in the CIEE houses is probably preferable to living in the residence halls |
