Insightful Time in Colorful Durban Past Review

By (Anthropology., Trinity University) - abroad from 08/23/2013 to 12/06/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely worthwhile. I gained priceless knowledge about South African culture and history.

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?

LOVE LOVE LOVED the homestays. However, they were challenging at points and I encourage whoever decides to do this program to go in with a really open mind.

* Food:

Except certain traditional Zulu dishes, everything was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This really depends on how much advantage you take of your opportunities there while on your own time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program advisor's wife is a doctor and was readily available to help any of us.

* 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? A little less than 100$ per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget yourself and don't spend all your money on souvenirs at the beginning

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

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? College level spansih
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? Introduce yourself in Zulu wherever you go and try to start conversations.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Durban
  • Host living
  • Rural Experience
* What could be improved?
  • Group Dynamic
  • Time in Apartment
  • Outings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to fully utilize my time alone.

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.'