Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Grinnell really needs to let students study abroad and not study like they're at Grinnell abroad. Past Review

By (Sociology, Grinnell College) for

IES Abroad Cape Town

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
If Grinnell wasn't such a bully with classes it would have been better. But the rest of it was grand.

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.

I took a graduate course in Entrepreneurial Strategies that was really powerful. Practical in application with focuses on business and marketing, the class really opened my eyes about what I can do after graduation. The classes were a lot larger, made me appreciate the close-knit structure of Grinnell. The IES class sucks. No real value. Would have been better to take another business class. Oh wait, Grinnell doesn't want me to do that...

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

IES Cape Town is the best. Very caring, considerate and organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Fantastic. Needed to buy some kitchen supplies.

* Food:

My girlfriend there struggled with vegetarian and vegan options, but I loved it. Very meat-heavy diet in SA.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Performed every Wednesday freestyling with hip-hop club. Performed at several shows in downtown Cape Town. Traveled to Durban on private vacation.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

IES Cape Town took care of me.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cheap living, lots to do
  • Fuse with local culture and become a resident, not just a visitor
  • Fun to take new classes (against Grinnell's wishes)
* What could be improved?
  • Let students pick classes, not have Grinnell control what is taken
  • Give suggestions for ways to immerse with local folk as opposed to just telling kids to "do it"
  • Encourage opportunities to stay abroad longer after program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Come to talk to me about. In person stories are the best.