An experience that I wouldn't trade for the world! Past Review
By Adrianna S (Sociology, Philosophy, African Studies, University of South Carolina - Columbia) - abroad from 07/04/2015 to 11/14/2015 with
IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town
While abroad, I learned to view the world from a non-western perspective. I learned to compare and contrast inequalities you learn in the classroom with inequalities you see every day. I learned to take risks, to live in the moment, and to try things outside of my comfort zone. It was so incredibly worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
University of Cape Town is a difficult university, but the knowledge gained through the courses is extremely worth it. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES is extremely responsive to any questions you have while navigating the application process. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a dorm about a mile from campus. I had my own room and bathroom and shared a kitchen with local students. Shuttles too and from campus were extremely reliable. |
| * Food: |
Food is cheap and delicious! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I got involved with a team sport on campus, which was very much the reason I felt like a part of the local culture. You have to make an effort, but it's possible to integrate well into the culture! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
IES was incredible in making sure you got quick and efficient healthcare. I needed a few vaccines, check with your home universities travel clinic and they can help. |
| * Safety: |
Cape Town can be dangerous, but just stay on your toes. If you are smart and alert, you will not have any trouble. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
IES Abroad allowed me the freedom I wanted to make the experience my own, but the support that I needed in order to felt safe and cared for when there was an issue. |
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? | Approximately $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It's really tempting to eat out all the time because the food is so good! Try and cook as much as possible to save money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | You will feel out of place at times. That's okay. It's part of growing up and learning new things. Take the time to listen to local students, to learn about the lives and experiences of others, and to not be taken aback by things that are 'different'. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
