Life Changing Past Review
By A student (Trinity University) - abroad from 08/23/2018 to 12/08/2018 with
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation
I think I developed a much more advanced understanding of self while abroad. I think the experiences I had in South Africa shaped who I am for the rest of my life and I am so grateful. I learned so much about respect, approaching things with an open heart, and learning from those around you. They're lessons I will treasure and build on for the rest of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There is not a lot of academic work in the traditional sense however I found that because this program gave such a unique degree of exposure that I was never not learning. It is an unparalleled educational experience in my opinion. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because most of the program is spent in host households, students are constantly exposed to locals and local happenings. There is ample opportunity to build friendships and meaningful connections with the country and the city of Durban. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
God bless Shola. |
| * Safety: |
Durban, if you practice the due diligence you should in any situation where you're in a new environment, is no different from any city in the United States in terms of safety. SIT does a fantastic job of being realistic with students and providing them the tools and resources to look out for themselves when they are not in immediate contact with SIT staff. By the end of my time in Durban I felt confident handling myself at all times of the day and late into the night. Of course South Africa is more than Durban and different cities can be different. Our guidelines were different in Cape Town and being that we were only there for a week or so I exercised more caution but some of my friends that lived longer in Cape Town said they felt very confident in their safety in Cape Town as well. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I am grateful for every part of this program and my experience. I can't think of a single thing I would change. |
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) |
I think I spent $1000 during my 3 and a half months in South Africa. SIT does a great job of providing for and working with students. Even students that don't have $1000 to spend should consider this program, depending on the amount you go out and do activities that cost money you can stick much more strictly (and pretty comfortably) to the money provided by SIT. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | A college level Spanish class |
| 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? | Get the apps and practice with host families. |
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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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There are plenty of people ready to support you. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
