Eye-opening Past Review
By Lensa B (Broadcast Journalism/Theatre, University of Southern California) - abroad from 07/04/2014 to 08/15/2014 with
Connect-123: Cape Town - Volunteer/Intern in South Africa
I learned that I am so small in this world. It gave me perspective on how many different people/languages/cultures can exist even within one country. The world doesn't revolve round America, there is a lot Americans can learn from other countries' ways of life.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
There are a lot of stereotypes about the safety of South Africa. Although, you do have to be more careful, it isn't nearly as bad as the media claims it to be. Hide your smart phone when you are out and don't roam the streets by yourself after dark. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 700 Rand/week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy food in order to cook at home and budget your money before you get to your destination as well as during your travels. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
It wasn't necessary because the national language in ZA is English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That I didn't have to limit myself to Cape Town and that this internship experience is about more than just the work of the internship but exploring the country. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
