Study Abroad at University of KwaZulu-Natal Past Review

By (Global Studies, Providence College) for

University of KwaZulu-Natal / UKZN: Durban - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My study abroad experience was more than worthwhile. I feel that if I hadn't gone abroad I would not have been half the person I am now. Like any student I've learned about other cultures through books and haven't been able to experience them firsthand. In Pietermaritzburg, I could go to class at noon, learn about rock art, and by three in the afternoon be hiking around rocks adorned with authentic rock art. I really have no words to describe my experience, but I know that it's significantly changed my way of thinking about everything and how I act. It humbled and raised me up at the same time. It has been one of the happiest times of my life and I wish every day I've been back that I could return to South Africa.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of KwaZulu-Natal at Pietermaritzburg
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although much of my learning occurred outside the classroom, I really enjoyed the readings I was given. They not only applied to the class well but they helped me to better understand South Africa as a whole.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Program administration was really kind and nice, but he didn't really help me to the degree that others at the school did. I made friends with students from other programs so I utilized their services instead of my own since I didn't really have any. All of what I did abroad was done pretty much on my own, save for going out to dinner a few times.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a one room dorm in an apartment-style building with four people on each floor. There were two floors in my building and the top had a kitchen and toilet with bathtub and my floor had a bathroom with a shower. I lived in upper-class housing, designated the Honors (fourth year) housing. I lived in Denison Residence in the Winelands in Muratie Room 1. The residence was really nice but so far away from everything, including classes and other facilities. Also, there was no internet available in the residences and it was about a ten minute walk to reach it. This was never mentioned. <br /><br /> It was really nice but too secluded from other students my age. Since everyone was older and working on what is the American equivalent to first year of masters, it was difficult to make friends.

* Food:

It was kind of difficult to cook our own food in a foreign country. Unfortunately, it was difficult to get to the grocery store from my residence (like a 20 minute walk each way plus having to carry what we purchased). Food was rather inexpensive though so it was almost better that it wasn't included in the program fee.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I learned the most from my non-academic experiences. I was able to travel extensively across South Africa and into Lesotho and Swaziland. Although I did do a lot of traveling, I was able to spend time with those living in Pietermaritzburg to the extent that I still keep in contact with them. One thing I do regret is that I didn't appreciate Pietermaritzburg and all that it had to offer until the end of my trip. I spent many of my first weekends in my room watching American movies and feeling as though there was nothing to do in PMB. About three weeks before I was due to leave, I began to appreciate what the city had to offer me and I really regret that I didn't get to appreciate it as well as I should have.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It is very interesting because some of my reverse culture shock has to do with my safety concerns. Pietermaritzburg was like any large city in South Africa where it wasn't safe to walk alone at night or sometimes even during the day. I was almost mugged with three other friends and as a girl it was safer for me to walk with males than other females. When I returned to America, I realize that I've retained that constant looking over the shoulder habit that I adopted while in South Africa. Although it may sound scary, the safety in Pietermaritzburg and South Africa as a whole was no different than in any other city; you just need to be smart about where you go and what you do when you do it.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I wasn't really informed about the fact I would have to feed myself so most of my money was spent on food. It was really surprising but food wasn't really expensive there so I was able to purchase pretty much whatever I desired. My advice would be though, when buying anything from street vendors, shop around. Don't feel bad negotiating prices. It was difficult for me to get used to but it was like purchasing things in a country like Mexico or the Dominican Republic. When vendors hear your accent, it's pretty much an invitation to overcharge you. Speak with locals about how much things should cost. Be a smart shopper.

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

My English didn't improve at all but my Afrikaans and my Zulu were introduced and grasped.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you want to learn about South African culture, this is the program for you. Programs in Stellenbosch and Cape Town do not give you an experience comparable to anything I experienced. I went to Cape Town and Stellenbosch and essentially, those places are like going to a metropolitan European city. Authentic South Africa can be found in Pietermaritzburg for sure.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

AFRN101: Afrikaans for Beginners

Course Department: Afrikaans, 101
Instructor: Van der Berg
Instruction Language: English/Afrikaans
Comments: It was really refreshing to learn a language that was actually spoken in the area I was in. The teacher was fluent in the language and helped to use my lingual background in order to make it easier for me to learn the new language.
Credit Transfer Issues: Make sure it applies
Course Name/Rating:

RELG315: Religions in Africa

Course Department: Religion, 315
Instructor: Tahir Sitoto
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Not only was the course interesting, the professor was absolutely AMAZING. I've never had such a great experience in a class before. I participated in the course much more than I would've at my home institution because it was enthrallingly engaging.
Credit Transfer Issues: Probably won't transfer as a religious credit at a Catholic college
Course Name/Rating:

POLS310: Policy Issues and Community Service

Course Department: Political Science, 310
Instructor: Chris Isike
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The professor was awful. I served as the "class president" and in being so I essentially ran the class since he was absent a lot. The course contained a service component that was much more rewarding than any in-class time. It was interesting to learn about the policies of South Africa however the professor assumed we knew more than we did.
Credit Transfer Issues: Good way to learn about the immediate Pietermaritzburg community.
Course Name/Rating:

AHIS210: Africa: Art of a Continent

Course Department: Art History, 210
Instructor: J. Leeb du Toit, A. Zaverdinos
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Learning about African art while in Africa was really interesting since we were able to actually witness the art in person. I went on a hike with some friends and was able to identify some San art rock paintings. I've never experienced something like that and it was pretty life changing. We also had some speakers come in who were really dynamic and allowed us to get an accurate taste of the art and culture behind it.
Credit Transfer Issues: No transfer problems.