This Is Africa Past Review

By (Marketing., Trinity University) for

SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile. I learned how to interact in a new environment and put all my skills to the test. It gave me a chance to prove who I am to me. I feel more confident as a person knowing what is out there and where I stand.

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 workload was fair. It was an adequate 6 credit hours. It was very easy to get use to the teaching style they were fairly similar.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The site was perfect for our program. It was in a close to our home stay neighborhoods and was a good size for our group. The program was held in a office with a computer lab, a small lecture room, and a bigger lecture room downstairs. I was able to do work there comfortably.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a positive experience with my housing situation. I was fairly close to downtown and had a beautiful view of the city. The neighborhood I lived in wasn't the best part of town, but I it was more than safe enough for the average student. My home stay family were warm and loving. They genuinely wanted to have a positive impact on my life - and they did.

* Food:

The food was average and very predictable at home, but restaurants were excellent.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program arranged a weekend stay at a resort on the beach for us as a break. The experience gave the students a chance to bond. Since it was halfway through the program, we all took the opportunity to talk about everything that had happened so far to people we could relate to.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I had no issues with safety. Security was very good because of the world cup.

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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? None

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?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When visiting a country during such an extraordinary event be aware that this is not the country in their regular light. The country has done everything to make the event safe, spectacular, and historical to you and all its people. Understand the significance of the time period that you are in a different country.