Beautiful nature, culture, and people Past Review

By (Skidmore College) - abroad from 01/25/2019 to 05/09/2019 with

SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about how to learn from others and how to truly view another culture while trying to not impose my own westernized thinking. It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* 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:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Durban was chaotic at times since SIT truly believes in immersing students within the culture, but it was definitely transformative because I learned how to truly be self-sufficient in another country.

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? $30

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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
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?
  • ISP portion
  • Rural homestay
  • Excursion to Mozambique
* What could be improved?
  • Safety of students
  • Options for places to study
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew a bit more about safety in Durban--it is safe, but precautions are necessary with women there and that is important to note.