I learned and grew immensely, in three life-changing months in South Africa. Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Sarah Lawrence College) - abroad from 08/31/2013 to 12/12/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Multiculturalism and Human Rights

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned many lessons, many from experiences that are thus hard to put into words. I learned about South African history, politics, human rights, identity formation, and other topics, as well as about human connection. It was one of the most worthwhile experiences I've had.

Review Photos

SIT South Africa: Multiculturalism & Human Rights Photo SIT South Africa: Multiculturalism & Human Rights Photo

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.

The experiential learning aspect of the program was the most educational. I learned the most from homestays in different areas and excursions, more than in the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The SIT Cape Town staff are wonderful and very supportive. They structure the program very well to enhance learning.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved most of my homestays and they enriched my knowledge of the host cultures as well as South Africa itself.

* 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:

SIT does an excellent job of teaching students proper safety guidelines and protecting them in potentially dangerous situations or areas.

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? between $0-$50, depending on where we were
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? None

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We learned Xhosa while we had homestays with Xhosa families.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make an effort to speak Xhosa with your host family at least once a day in order to practice, and also to be able to better get to know your family.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My host families
  • Having freedom to explore
  • Excursions to different areas and learning about the different cultures
* What could be improved?
  • Academics (more rigorous)
  • Transparency of schedules
  • More excursions
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not worry, that everything would be fine because SIT does a great job organizing study abroad and South Africa is a fantastic country to spend time in.

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.'