Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I had the typical "College experience" but overseas! Past Review

By (Global Studies, St. Cloud State University) - abroad from 01/31/2012 to 06/28/2012 with

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Port Elizabeth - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much that I honestly could not describe it now. It was very worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I didn't think passing would be hard, but I still had to really study for the tests!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were helpful, but I didn't think that they were all that great.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I really enjoyed Annie's Cove!

* Food:

Since I bought my own food - it was always delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I interacted with locals everywhere I went, I got to know where they lived, how they ate, how their school life went, and how they partied!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get sick, so I have no idea.

* Safety:

It was much safer than I would have expected, but I never walked alone at night by myself.

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)

If you want to travel and go out often, you will need to have the student budget of two people. I did very little and didn't eat much (because I didn't have the money to do a whole lot more) and I still got by and had a great time.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $100 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't use Cambi's if you don't have to. Rent a car for the five months with four others and split the cost. Internet may be nice but it's not important, especially if you can get by without checking facebook or whatever three times a day.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The included side trips!
* What could be improved?
  • I would prefer not to live with other SCSU students, I would have really liked to live in the same flat as international students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had more money. I wish that I had known about which classes I could take that would transfer back easily.