An amazing, eye opening, life changing experience. Past Review

By (Presbyterian College) - abroad from 01/23/2012 to 06/17/2012 with

CISabroad (Center for International Studies): Stellenbosch - Semester in South Africa

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
New outlook on life, and a wider respect and appreciation for other cultures. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The education system was alright, but the technology and the system was not as up to date as it is at PC.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Stayed at Academia which was perfect because it was full of international students and also South Africans so it was a great mix.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care was very close and available.

* Safety:

Safety is the biggest concern my family had for me being in South Africa, but honestly I felt extremely safe in Stellenbosch. The only thing you should never do is walk alone on the streets at night, but you shouldnt do that anywhere in the world.

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? No
* 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? $50.00
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? ask around for the cheapest places to buy food and clothes.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

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? 3 years of spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak with local South Africans, but honestly everyone speaks english fluently so you don't have to learn the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The friends that I made
  • The new culture I experienced
  • The memories I made
* What could be improved?
  • Better dorm
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There's no air conditioning hardly anywhere in South Africa, and there is also a lot of racism, so just be prepared for that.