SIT South Africa: Life Changing in the most positive way...Truly. Past Review
By Jordan A (Sociology., Harvard University) for
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa: Education and Social Change (Summer)
Yes it was definitely worthwhile. I now want to focus on youth empowerment in my studies, as I saw that it was present in South Africa to some extent, but needed to be continuously emphasized in order for the country to progress socially. Youth are incredibly powerful, and that hit me full force when I was there. I also learned how to deal with cultural difference pertaining to difference in social views--very helpful for future social interaction.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
SIT is a program, not a university so the experience was different. We had two reflection papers and a final 10-15 page paper on a topic of our choice. The grading was relatively easy, but I did put in time. Teaching was lecture and discussion, like in the US. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Honestly, SIT did a tremendous job in preparing us and taking care of us. They were knowledgeable about South Africa, knew where we were coming from as American students, and took care of us as if we were their children. Their preparation and involvement with us DEFINITELY met my expectations! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a host family for most of the time. I was a part of their family. I absolutely love them. They treated me very well. I had my own room and bed. My mama insisted on doing my laundry and keeping me well-fed. :) My neighborhood was safe, but far from nightlife. It cost a lot to go out at night. I usually stayed in though because my family and I got along so well. When the group went on excursions, we lived in nice hostels or dorms. Always clean, well furnished, good food, hot showers! |
| * Food: |
I lovedddd the food! My favorites are steamed bread and putu with curry so make sure you have those! Families definitely accomodated dietary restrictions. They would give you a lot though, so you had to be firm with the amounts you asked for or just tell them ahead of time that you don't eat as much as they do. If you are polite about it, they will definitely accept you. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The South African and SIT students put together a huge music and arts celebration at the South African high school. It was incredible. We focused on cultural unity--it was truly beautiful. SIT arranged great field trips--I had so much fun! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
You had to take typhoid pills before going, and malaria pills when there because of the exposure to misquitos when on safari. I had a bad cold on the trip, but SIT was great in setting up a doctor's appointment for me. The doctor tended to talk a lot but he prescribed medicine that worked. I felt very safe in my neighborhood during the day. At night, I wouldn't walk alone, but my family was very protective of me. I felt safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 600 US dollars for the whole six weeks--so maybe 100 a week. I lived comfortably. I could get big loads of laundry done if needed, I could go out, I could have dinner with friends comfortably. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Going out costs money--I spent a lot of money on taxis to either go out at night or go to internet cafes during the day or to get some groceries. Be prepared to some money in this department. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Get ready to experience a cultural very different from your own--even if it feels similar at first. Let yourself fall into the culture and the people. You won't regret it if you do. |
