Abroad in South Africa Past Review

By (College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University) - abroad from 01/01/2016 to 06/26/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I definitely gained a ton of new perspectives and a lot of travel experience.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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

Studying abroad in South Africa was the best decision for me when going abroad. Being in historic Stellenbosch really offered a unique opportunity. The student life was great from good fun on the weekend to well developed and active clubs looking to help international students get involved. CIS’s program helped me have amazing relationships with locals and other internationals. They also did a stellar job making sure that I was safe. The on site director Athena is an amazing resource and does a great job showing you things that no one else knows about. Overall I had no complaints and countless stories of my once in a lifetime experience.

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)

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

  • 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 local Clubs
  • cost
  • travel opportunities
* What could be improved?
  • none
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That South Africa is not a scary place even though everyone will tell you that. Don't be afraid to travel and be active around town.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'