Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Very Rigorous, but Amazing Experience Past Review

By (Biological Sciences, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2014 to 11/30/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A lot of scientific writing skills, South African history and culture, living with a large group. Definitely worth while.

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.

Very rigorous program. A lot of the assignments would occur at around the same time so there were definitely periods with more downtime and then periods with constant work. A lot of group work-- most scientific papers were written as a group, which eased the load. Some people got way too wrapped up in the academics of the program, in my opinion, which made it hard to enjoy at times.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They worked hard to get us the resources we needed. We had limited resources some of the time, which definitely made things difficult. Staff worked hard to ensure that we would get something if we needed it though. At some points, there was definitely lack of communication. Assignments were not always returned in a timely manner.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I enjoyed the living arrangements for the most part. We had to camp in tents for one week, which I believe was the first time this had to be done (issues with the usual group accommodation). Other than that, most places were very nice. A couple situations could definitely be approved upon, which the staff is definitely receptive to.

* Food:

The food was good. It rotated every couple weeks so you end up eating the same meal a handful of times throughout the program. Which is good when the meal was good. There were too many "sandwich days" for my liking, especially on fieldwork days. But we were encouraged to offer our ideas on ideas for meals or fieldwork days.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Besides having South African students on the trip and South African staff members, we also have a home stay.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally did not have health issues. But others who did (injured arm, illness) were taken to the hospital and their problems seemed to be worked out.

* Safety:

We were given lots of warning on safety, especially in the cities. We always had to walk around in groups of 3. There was never any huge safety issue over the three months.

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)

Only pay for midterm break, souvenirs, and snacks.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Varied depending on the week. In a typical week, no more than $50. Over midterm break, a LOT more (>500$)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being with the same people, making great friends. I will keep in touch with most everyone, but especially so with my 3 closest friends from the trip.
  • The wildlife, getting to go out into the field.
  • The close relationships with the staff.
* What could be improved?
  • Longer time in Cape Town even if it lengthens the program. I won't be back in a while and I wish I had more time to explore and see the city.
  • More communication with staff and students.
  • Lessen the intensity of the workload. It definitely detracted from the experience at times.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I didn't realize how much of the science writing was group work, which would have been nice to know. They give a lot of information beforehand and prep you nicely. My brother had studied in Cape Town before me and gave me a nice midterm break guide of places to go and things to do, which was extremely helpful (although staff also guides you on things to do).

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!