It's not about the class work, it's about the life experiences. Past Review
By A student (Peace And Justice Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 07/04/2012 to 11/23/2012 with
University of Witwatersrand: Johannesburg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I learned that I am capable of striking out on my own and growing comfortable in a new environment. I was able to see that the developing world is not as far out of reach as it seems and I loved the chance to learn about human rights from a non-western perspective. The overall experience was certainly worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I did not find the courses particularly challenging or exciting. |
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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: |
Each room had its own kitchenette so I was able to cook for myself. Not only did I expand my cooking abilities but I also saved a lot of money by avoiding a meal plan. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
As the program took place at Wits University and we lived on campus while most students don't we were rather isolated from the local society with the exception of the interaction provided during internships and our own excursions. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Johannesburg is a rough city but like most cities, it is as safe as your common sense allows. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself as often as possible and avoid taking cabs to places you can safely walk in a large group. Just invite more friends! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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? | I wish I had been told how fashionable the local scene is so I could have packed accordingly. I also would have packed a few more household items because not all of the rooms had silverware or pots and pans. Buying such items there was rather expensive. |
