My 2nd Home Past Review

By (Loyola University Chicago) - abroad from 07/01/2017 to 11/12/2016 with

IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much while I was abroad. I learned about myself, about the world, about South African culture, history, and the people. Everything was worthwhile. I would do and experience it all over again and a thousand times.

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town Photo IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town Photo IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff at IES Cape Town became my family. No matter what was going on, any problems or questions I had, I could always count on their door being open.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Cape Town was rated number 1 in food throughout the world and the ratings don't lie.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Whenever a student was feeling sick, the staff either supplied them with the information that was needed or they would call the doctors and make an appointment for you.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

My experience in Cape Town was life changing. My time in South Africa will be forever imprinted in my memory. There is not a single moment that I did not love, waking up in the morning and seeing Table Mountain, looking out at the view from the University of Cape Town, seeing the amazing IES staff almost every day, exploring this beautiful city, and meeting the amazing people in South Africa. Cape Town is not just a place I visited or studied. It is a place that has become my home.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not let the cheap prices go to your head. Even though everything is cheap, the money you have/save can go fast quickly

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
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 Country
  • The People
  • The Culture
* What could be improved?
  • More Time in Cape Town
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Time flies. Live and experience every day like it was your last.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.