Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable semester in PE, SA Past Review

By (Economics, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 01/30/2015 to 06/23/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As cliche as it sounds, you learn so much about yourself. I didn't have some life-changing epiphany but I understand that I can survive by myself a long way from home. I learned about the perception others have about Americans. I also learned that people are really the same from all over the world. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thought the educational experience was OK. I had mostly lecturers instead of professors so the quality of lectures wasn't awesome. That being said, my lecturers were very helpful. It just wasn't nearly as challenging as my home university.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The international office at NMMU is wonderful. They were quick to help and did their best to sort out any issues that came up.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved the people I lived with. We had a clean living environment and felt as safe as you can in South Africa. The only drawback was the horribly uncomfortable bed.

* Food:

Our food was all self-catering. We ate really well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think I felt as comfortable as I was going to get. I don't think there's anyway to feel 100% part of the culture because we're so easy to pick out as Americans. In that way, you aren't truly part of the culture. But I still felt really comfortable by the time I was leaving.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The doctor's office was really close and accessible. The doctor I saw several times was very helpful and medical aid is really easy to use. You pay the upfront cost before you leave and then you can basically see the doctor as many times as you need at no cost.

* Safety:

If you use logic, you're going to stay pretty safe. It isn't advisable to walk around at night but it's also that way in any big city. Quite a few people did have their credit cards or phones stolen. I do know of one person who was grabbed by a guy a robbed while being threatened but he was walking around at night. Using logic goes a long way.

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)

The rand to dollar exchange rate is very favorable for Americans right now.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

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
  • 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?
  • Friends
  • Beach
  • Environment
* What could be improved?
  • Module registration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? PE as a city has everything that you could possibly need. It won't be that much different from a mid-size American city. There are plenty of international students that are in the exact same position that you are. Americans are loud.

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 Networker
An 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.