Great Experience Abroad Past Review

By (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/27/2014 to 06/15/2014 with

CIEE: Cape Town - Arts and Sciences

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more aware of international politics beyond the United States. Often times we limit ourselves to domestic affairs. But the events within the international community, such as South Africa, are also important.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics are definitely different from

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Communication from CIEE could have been better. Much of the communication was last minute in relation to the announcement. There could also be better communication about events planned by CIEE and its RAs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I choose to live in a UCT residence hall and I was put in Liesbeeck. WIthin the suite of four roommates I had my own room which was nice and spacious. It is not the most physically appealing dorm but I enjoyed interacting/living with UCT students.

* Food:

I lived in the the dorms with UCT students and the only option there is to cook for yourself. So it depends on your cooking skills.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Wellesley does a great job of transferring financial aid to study abroad expenses. U.S. dollars are also worth more than South African Rand. So that helps.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Location
  • The Culture
  • The People
* What could be improved?
  • The program's communication with students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A