Education, Social Change, and Invaluable Experiences Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 05/27/2016 to 07/08/2016 with

SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Education and Social Change (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained friends, lifelong memories, and a new appreciation for the things I have. This trip was definitely worthwhile.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Education and Social Change (Summer) Photo SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Education and Social Change (Summer) Photo SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Education and Social Change (Summer) Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

There was a lack of fruits and vegetables offered by host families during meals.

* 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

This program allowed me to better understand the history and culture of South Africa and how it ties to the inequalities within the country.

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 exchange rate was great. R15 to the $1. Towards the end it changed to R13.5 to the $1.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? alcohol will get you. Bartering is often helpful.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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 program staff
  • The cities I stayed in
  • my host families
* What could be improved?
  • the long days should be shorter
  • the time in Cape Town should be longer
  • the time we spent observing in schools
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the program and the logistics before going. I went in not really sure of what I would be doing, but I was open to anything and had few expectations.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'