91 reviews
4.36 / 5 based on 91 reviews
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1
Kate M
Languages
Language of instruction: English
Was learning English a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
Everyone speaks English, but try to make an effort to learn a little bit of one of the other official languages.
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13
Kate M
Overall
I wish I had known...
People will warn you that it is very dangerous, and although it can be at times, don't be on edge. Get to know locals and have atleast a little bit of trust in humanity.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
Beautiful campus.. halfway up a mountain! The walk really isn't that bad, so if you have time in the morning try walking to class.
Also, the schedule is kind of like a High School schedule. There is 1st period, 2nd period, 3rd.. lunch ( an hour where all students/staff have off for lunch). You won't have class during all those periods though.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
Go on a safari! Amazing experience. Also, check out the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. Stellenbosch, about an hours train ride outside of Cape Town, is a gorgeous wine "dutch" town. It's such a nice place. Explore places outside of Cape Town, even if it is just an hour away. Don't be afraid to take the train, just don't take it later than about 6 PM. Kruger is a great place too! Stay in Tamboti Tented camp (google it)... it was amazing. Also, go to Victoria Falls! BEAUTIFUL. You wont have many chances to go to Southern Africa, so please do as much as you can. It is an amazing combination of cities and nature.
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6
Kate M
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Government assistance
Other sources of funding:
none
Work opportunities:
It was not legal for me to work
Personal spending habits
South Africa has a lower cost of living, especially outside the city... it will be a bit more expensive in Cape Town. INTERNET IS VERY EXPENSIVE, BEWARE! Everything is pay as you go, including internet and electricity (there is no heat).
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Travel:
was more expensive than at home.
Housing:
was the same price as at home.
Food, Nightlife, Telephone, Overall:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
Take money out from ATM's to avoid fee's. Also, keep in mind you will be spending a lot of money on travel and try to save. Drinks are cheap (10-20 rand... or 2-3 dollars) food is pretty cheap, Internet will get you, especially if you have Redbutton. Don't use the video in skype and try not to go to a lot of webpages with pictues. NO YOUTUBE AT ALL. While doing research, do it at school... you get a certain amount of gree megabytes there ( I think like 2-300 MB?)
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1
Kate M
Academic
Course recommendations
Take African Dance!!!
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
STUDY FOR FINAL EXAMS. Final exams are worth at least 50% of your final grade and are typically written essays. You need to know the course content to do well.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course
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8
Kate M
Housing
Type of housing: Apartment/House
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House
Why?
I loved living in apartment. We had our own space, yet were close to the University.
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Personal comments
Housing can either be AMAZING or really really poor. There are houses that have twenty people or houses that have 3-4. Also, there are a lot of houses with little "huts" or "cabins" outside some larger houses were students are placed- the room usually has a bedroom and sometimes a bathroom... yet their kitchen, living room, etc. are all inside the main house. It is usually steps from the house. Specify what kind of housing you want while requesting housing and I think they are pretty good at giving it to you (EX: if you don't want to live with 20 people, note it! Or if you want to live with specific types of people (all female, all male, etc.) let them know)
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2
Kate M
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment
Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
Cape Town has AWESOME night life! You can head down to Long St. and all the clubs/bars are active. Observatory (Obz) has some great walking distance night life as well- Stones has good deals throughout the week and plenty of pool, though it can be a bit crowded. Many different kinds of nightlife, you'll be able to find something you like.
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