Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience! Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/24/2013 to 05/03/2013 with

Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): South Africa - African Ecology and Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a great deal about the management of protected areas in South Africa and the current challenges facing ecologists and conservationists. I also gained a better understanding of South African history and culture that I could not otherwise have gotten from a course taught in the States.

Review Photos

Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): South Africa - African Ecology and Conservation Photo Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): South Africa - African Ecology and Conservation Photo Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): South Africa - African Ecology and Conservation Photo Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS): South Africa - African Ecology and Conservation 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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Varied drastically.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money for Cape Town.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Living in Kruger National Park
  • Being surrounded by incredible wildlife
* What could be improved?
  • Communication with students
  • Structure of academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had studied basic ecological concepts before going on the program to be more prepared for the academics.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!