Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Such an incredible experience September 07, 2023

By (University of Vermont) - abroad from 01/31/2023 to 06/09/2023 with

IES Abroad: Cape Town - Health, Culture & Development

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad to Cape Town, South Africa with IES Abroad’s Health, Culture, and Development Program was truly one of the best decisions I ever made. Experiencing such a different atmosphere, a country so full of culture, religion, and history and a city with truly everything you could ask for. IES was extremely supportive and helpful in making all the students feel integrated and welcomed into Cape Town and the experience as a whole. The staff there are absolutely incredible and I formed such wonderful relationships with all of them that I still talk to them even months after being back! Going to South Africa is so vastly different from any education here in the US and it can be quite the adjustment. Having an open mind and a curiosity to learn as much as you can will serve you so well. It was so worthwhile between all the travels, beaches, hiking, all the yummy food and drinks and the friendships I formed.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

I had the most incredible time with IES Abroad's Health, Culture, and Development program that I wouldn't change one thing if I did it again.

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)

The conversion rate is amazing, it is definitely in favor if you are coming from the US Dollar

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Outline what is worth spending and what isn't. Don't just spend to spend, do it with intent because you are there for awhile

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • the people
  • the food
  • the history
* What could be improved?
  • predeparture support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is not much of a walkable city and there is a lot of petty crime so you have to be very careful

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.