IHRE - A Once in a Lifetime Experience Past Review

By (Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences and English, Wellesley College) for

University of Witwatersrand: Johannesburg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. My experience has ensured me that I do NOT want to build a career within Human Rights, IR, Politics, Law or anything else along those lines. I learned that academic institutions may not always be there to support you, and that you may at times, need to rely on yourself for progress. I learned to be self-sufficient and proved to myself that I can indeed cook.

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.

The workload was much larger than seemed necessary. What was discussed in class and covered on exams was a very small percentage of the assigned material. Lecturers seemed to grade negatively rather than positively and were unable to clearly provide feedback on how to improve.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program's site in South Africa could have done a better job to facilitate the primary cultural adjustment process and the following adjustment to the new academic system. There was an extreme lack of organization that led to last minute changes to expected events and experiences. I felt that some of my grading and academic results weren't fairly determined, but the program was unable to help me facilitate a proper channel to discuss it with unwilling professors. The SA office did have a few people who demonstrated a desire to help the international students, but it was the leadership that ultimately had the largest ability to help (and they did not).

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In the heart of Johannesburg, the campus (particularly the dorms) was gated and security was at every campus entrance. The dorm itself was keypad protected and there was a security guard in the foyer. The surrounding city was as safe as any other city would be - it's always best to walk in groups of 3 or 4. Bedding and kitchenware were provided with the room along with an ethernet cord, telephone and heater. Cleaning and bathroom supplies were purchased.

* Food:

I cooked for myself. If you're a vegetarian/vegan looking for a good treat: check out Fresh Earth in Emerantia! It's the best restaurant in Jo'burg in my opinion. If you ever get to Cape Town you MUST check out Cafe Royale.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Apartheid Museum and the Hector Pieterson Museum were thought provoking trips.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city isn't very safe, but most cities aren't. If you walk with company and don't flash any expensive belongings, you should be fine. I did not experience the healthcare system in Johannesburg.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? About 25USD on food and 10USD on personal expenses
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I didn't spend much money on things other than food, gifts and clothing.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the free time
  • the internship opportunity
* What could be improved?
  • communication between the program administration and students
  • having teachers who were more open and willing to communicate with students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? International Human Rights Exchange (Fall 2011)