CISabroad - Summer in South Africa

Name: Best Experience Ever!
Item: CISabroad - Summer in South Africa
Rating: 10
Author: Jordan Gaudreau

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bright orange and red sky over mountain and creek

About

Grab a camera and a journal—you’ll want to capture every moment of your Summer in South Africa. You’ll study at the top-rated Stellenbosch University, located in the city by the same name. Ideally situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, the University is nestled in a valley flanked by mountains on all sides. Climb up for a panoramic view of the oak-lined streets, the chic bars and cafés, and the stunning campus you’ll call home. Your program includes hands-on courses and guest lecturers. An optional six-day Garden Route Tour along the coast of beautiful South Africa can be added for a fee. Take advantage of the many opportunities to learn both inside and outside the classroom by visiting famous vineyards and exploring nearby Cape Town. Your summer is just getting started!

Highlights

Community development and service-learning projects
Innovative, South Africa–focused curriculum
Extensive adventure opportunities
A college town on the outskirts of a cosmopolitan city
Trips to Stellenbosch Winelands

Questions & Answers

Reviews

93%

based on 3 reviews

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Study

Academics 9.3
Support 8.7
Fun 9
Housing 9
Safety 8.3

Showing 1 - 3 of 3

Prior to going abroad, I was extremely nervous but excited at the same time. This trip completely changed my life. It allowed me to see how people live in an area I never thought I would go to. It helped me realize that we as humans have something in common with everyone no matter where we are from. Thanks to this trip, I have found a new passion for traveling and I now have such different life aspirations than I had prior to my time abroad.

Some of my favorite memories of my trip were, hanging out with elephants, hiking to the top of Table Mountain, and meeting people who I will always have a connection with. This experience was so unique because it was completely different from what I was used to. Everything was different than my everyday life in the U.S. I was actually thankful for this because it just made me learn more about this new region and myself.

How can this program be improved?

Being more clear about the weather patterns in this part of the world. I knew that it was winter in South Africa when I went, but I still did not realize how chilly it was going to be. By giving students with more information about the weather in this region, it could help them plan ahead better.

The program was nothing short of incredible and I will never forget the wonderful experiences or people I met.
At first, I was scared it would be difficult for me to make friends, but there were a lot of program "mixers" that forced the students to be together. I made lifelong friends pretty quickly and we still talk pretty regularly.
The activities were incredible. We went on the famous Garden Route tour, travelled to Cape Town, and had wine tasting tours. We travelled so much it almost didn't feel like school.
The classes were interesting and very informative. Everyone was required to take a South African history course, and it was amazing. I learned so much and the professor was very knowledgeable and helpful.
I feel very blessed to have been able to do this program. I wish that I could go back to see some of my South African friends and to travel around the country again. It was such an incredible experience and highly recommend it to anyone even considering studying abroad.

How can this program be improved?

Pretty much everything in this program was incredible. The program staff wasn't as organized as they could have been but that was the only issue I could find.

The country was gorgeous, and CIS gave us plenty of opportunities to explore it. We got to explore Cape Town and Stellenbosch, and the classes were interesting and engaging. I can’t wait to go back someday. For future participants: make sure to bring warm clothes and an umbrella! Summer in South Africa is actually winter and can get pretty cold. My favorite memory is climbing to the top of table mountain and looking at all the amazing views

How can this program be improved?

Some of the program supervisors sometimes were a little rude to the students, but other than that, it was amazing

About CISabroad

CISabroad is committed to providing the best overall value in study and internship abroad opportunities. CISabroad programs are affordable and specialize in providing quality education and support throughout your study or internship abroad experience...

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