A remarkable, once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience! Past Review

By (Philosophy and Religious Studies, Tulane University) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 06/07/2012 with

CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about different cultures, traditions, racial inequalities, philosophies, religions, medicine, etc. It was most definitely worthwhile and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Review Photos

CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences Photo CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences Photo

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.

The quality and rigor of the academic experience was comparable to (and in some cases more difficult) that of Tulane's.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The CIEE staff was fantastic.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I love my homestay family.

* Food:

I loved Ouma's cooking.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt like a South African by the end of my stay there. I rarely spent any time with Americans.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health issues.

* Safety:

There were some muggings.

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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Prepare your own food to take to school.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The native langauge is English. However, there were definite opportunities to learn and speak Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Homestay Family
  • Fellow Students
  • Sightseeing and Cultural Involvement
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing; it was perfect.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To wear plenty of sunscreen no matter what.