Time of my life Past Review

By (Environmental Science., Middlebury College) - abroad from 07/10/2012 to 11/17/2012 with

CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was amazing. I grew up so much, as you are required to do going to a different place with a different culture. Cape Town is amazing and so beautiful. I made amazing friends and had the best time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Depended on what courses you took. Some were harder than others.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my house. Great accomodation, lived with other students studying abroad. There was an RA living with us in the house to answer any questions. Had a cleaning service every day for common area. Great location and most importantly, high security.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I went to a clinic there for a stomach issue I was having and to get medicine for a strept throat. It wasnt too expensive, was very easy to make an appointment. I also got some vaccines there.

* Safety:

Safety is obviously an issue in Cape Town - and students should go there recognizing this reality. I think that its just about being smart all the time. Although bad things do happen to people who are taking precaution and being smart about their actions, it was definitely a learning experience. I felt much more comfortable by the end.

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)

5

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? dont eat out to dinner too much

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? people who are going to places like south africa should not have to take a foreign langauge - they would be SO much better off taking a history or culture course about south africa or the region

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • great people
  • nice houses
  • help when needed
* What could be improved?
  • facilitate transportation
  • expedite the class registration process
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that signing up for classes that take place in the afternoon restrict ones ability to partake in volunteer activities

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Afrikaans

Course Department: Language
Instructor: Sonja Loots
Instruction Language: Afrikaans
Comments: The class was fine but absurd that Middlebury requires students to take the language. see below for details on my opinion about that
Credit Transfer Issues: