Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most beautiful experience of my life February 10, 2023

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/11/2022 to 11/16/2022 with

IES Abroad: Cape Town - University of Cape Town

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a strong appreciation for life in general. Many people in Cape Town are very free spirited and adventurous people and I don't see a lot of that in New England. I would honestly redo the whole experience again.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was an amazing experience, overall. The professors at UCT are generally not as supportive as the professors at Wellesley and the academics can be quite intense at times. This program is very helpful for anyone especially interested in Africana studies. UCT has a rich and resourceful Africana studies department and access to many incredible resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES program administration was very supportive and helpful throughout the entire ordeal. They were there to support us with academics, adjusting to social norms and they were even very supportive with mental and personal issues.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really appreciated the housing arrangements. I lived in an apartment building filled with many other exchange students which made the transition so much easier. I met a lot of amazing people. The apartment itself was very modern and had all basic amenities.

* Food:

Amazing and affordable 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:

The city is a hotspot for a lot of opportunistic crime so just be careful and always stay vigilant.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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 campus
  • Housing
* What could be improved?
  • Academic support from faculty
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had a better understanding of how to made a budget.

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.