StudentAdvisor.com's Study Abroad Guide

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Study Abroad Guide

[ Guest Editor’s Note]

Dear Readers, For those who have never experienced a life-altering, awe-inspiring, transformative international experience, I would highly recommend it.

During my first study abroad journey, I remember questioning everything as I paced nervously waiting for my host family in the Provence train station. “How do I pronounce my new family’s name? What’s the word for raincoat? Oh, right, parapluie. Wait, no that’s umbrella!

What’s raincoat?” Despite my trepidation, I knew I needed to test my boundaries. I was a teenager who had never traveled without my family, and it was about time for a reality check. In French.

For starters, my sense of humor did not directly translate. I struggled to communicate, receiving confused looks after an intended joke and bouts of laughter after requesting a napkin. Every day was awkward, uncomfortable, challenging and immensely refreshing.

Because I was so far outside of my comfort zone, I was taking more risks and learning in an entirely new way. My goals extended beyond memorizing French vocabulary, because I was living my textbook.

I am a proud to say that two study abroad programs, a foreign teaching opportunity, and a study abroad review website later, I am a study abroad addict! Our team at Abroad101 has devoted the past four years to making it easier for students to access information to find the best study abroad program for their needs.

Abroad101’s data is confirming what students already know: Studying abroad is linked to enhanced communication skills, adaptability, and independence, all integral qualities as graduates enter the workforce. Students are returning from abroad with a rejuvenated sense of purpose and renewed educational goals. A Tufts student returning from Ghana reflects, “Everything is connected, in incredibly dynamic ways you can’t necessarily imagine…People everywhere have similar hopes and desires, no matter their cultural differences.” A William and Mary student revealed, “I am no longer the same person. I felt that Paris knew who I was supposed to be and was slowly teaching me how to become it.”

We are thrilled to partner with StudentAdvisor®.com to unveil our first “Top 10” Study Abroad Guide, showcasing the most popular destinations thanks to the reviews of fellow students. We encourage you to approach this guide with an open mind, absorbing the experiences of past students while creating your own personal study abroad goals. This is a mere sampling of the numerous destinations out there, so be sure to check out www.studyabroad101.com to access thousands of reviews and our comprehensive pre-departure guide.

So, what are you waiting for? With all due respect… Go Away!

Mike Stone mike@abroad101.com President, Co-Founder Abroad101.com

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

By | Mike Stone | Mike@Abroad101.com

L

ondon, the most popular study abroad destination on Abroad101, has been leading the pack for decades, and for good reason. Students rave about the fact that, “London is a true crossroads of the world. Within the city I was able to experience so many different cultures, by meeting such a huge variety of people all brought together in one place…

Being a hub of European travel, London is also a great jumping-off point for weekend trips.”

Though, the opportunity to study in such vibrant city has its price, literally. Students affirm,

“London: Expensive But Worth It” and “London: Forget About the Books, Bring Money Instead.”

Another student coins that, “it can be hard to learn how to budget.

Finding cheap restaurants and knowing about great deals at supermarkets can be the difference between spending $200 and $100 a week.”

The local grub may not be as renowned as neighboring Paris, but according to students, it’s progressing. One food connoisseur writes, “while British food often gets a bad rap, London offers a wealth of authentic cuisine from

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad]

photos by Abroad101.com

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

around the globe, so choices are not limited to traditional pub fare.”

Students also agree that the academics require much more independence than many are used to. “The academic system in the UK is extremely difficult to adjust to coming from an American university system. School stress is very low until about March when exam preparation begins, when it gets hectic and extremely stressful.” Rather than having several exams spread throughout a course, “for UK students, their entire grade is based on a final exam. Because nothing that they do during the year counts

“Someone was always there to help you via e-mail or in person…I was provided with everything I needed and everything was explained in detail.” It also doesn’t hurt that housing is, “available in a very posh neighborhood in the borough of Kensington.” Another student reiterates that “we were right next to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park so that was beautiful and maybe three-four blocks away from the underground which could get us anywhere!” Plus, “meals are included which is good for your wallet!”

London School of Economics LSE is one of the world’s most

“returning to LSE for my masters.

After that I hope to find a job in London, and plan on spending the rest of my years in England.”

IFSA-Butler - Queen Mary, University of London While “a little removed from central, posh London“, QMUL is in East London, home to Brick Lane, Whitechapel, Spitalfields markets, the Docklands, and a lot more. Cheaper than central London, but well-connected to it

by Tube or bus.” Going abroad with IFSA Butler, “was a great decision. They provided a 3-4

“London is a true crossroads of the world. I was able to experience so many different cultures, by meeting such a huge variety of people all brought together in one place.”

– Jen | Wesleyan University | Film Studies & History

for anything. Lectures are less interactive, professors don’t put as much time into getting to know you even though class sizes are pretty small, and seminars are taught by PhD students.”

Though, overall, London is still a mecca in study abroad, as one student sums up nicely, “Be prepared for something earthshattering. The academics are hard. Be prepared to suffer. But also be prepared to fall in love with London, with British culture, and with Europe in general. Don’t be afraid. Throw yourself into it, into being on your own in a new place.”

Top Programs AIFS - Richmond, The American International University in London

prestigious universities, and the challenging academics are recognized, as is the enhanced sense of accomplishment and reward.

“You have to be independent and able to stand up for yourself (or at the very least willing to fake these qualities) to get through LSE. If your desire is personal growth, this is the place for you.” Another student echoes that LSE is “one of the top academic institutions in the world.

It will force you to become a more diligent student and learn how to study. If you want a good balance of academic and social experiences as well as something to put on your resume that will stand out, go to the LSE. It was the best year of my life.” Also, LSE’s long term impact is clear, as evidenced by many students who hope to return to London. One student looks forward to,

day orientation before classes began, worked out housing (in a beautiful apartment-style dorm on campus), and perhaps most significantly were a huge asset in navigating course registration.”

Interested in other cities in the UK? Check out these programs!

Galway: IFSA Butler National University Ireland Edinburgh: Arcadia University of Edinburgh Oxford: IFSA Butler Oxford University Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

P

aris, je t’aime! If you’re reading this and dreaming of romantic strolls along the Seine, endless world-renowned museums and mouthwatering crepes, you aren’t alone, as Paris continues to be one of the most desirable study abroad destinations. Student appreciate the privilege of experiencing this famous city as a resident, not a tourist. “When you go abroad you have this idea of knocking out all the sights and you make a list of all the museums you’re going to see.

But once you get there you kind of realize that it’s not all about sightseeing. It’s more about just living there…Paris is an amazing city to go out and do things in.

You never have a boring moment!”

As far as language acquisition, students found that, for better or worse, most people did speak english which was nice but a little frustrating when you were trying to improve. Though, “I found that I was treated very well when I spoke French.”

The city gets high marks for it’s public transportation. Getting around is easy with the Paris metro, which one student believes is “the best in the world in my opinion. A flat fare (just over a euro) gets you anywhere in the city, no matter how many transfers, and a student can get the Carte Imagine-R, which allows you unlimited transportation for a year and does away with the paper tickets.”

When it comes to food, this gastronomical capital will please even those with the most refined palettes. While one student jokingly remarks, “France has some amazing food. Don’t go there if you don’t like ham or cheese.” Another reinforces the value of this coveted aspect of French culture: “Eating out and going places is part of the experience so if you want to have a good time you should be prepared to spend a lot of money.”

Keeping a budget is not easy, but one student recommends finding student discounts within Paris and saving for some side trips. “Inside Paris, go to the museums, take advantage that it is free for students, go to

“ Paris offers an unparalleled aesthetic stimulation.

I am no longer the same person. I felt while I was there that Paris knew who I was supposed to be and was slowly teaching me how to become it.”

– Anonymous | The College of William and Mary | English and French

The Eiffel Tower at dawn, Paris, France

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Paris is the

CAPITAL and

LARGEST CITY in France with 2.1 MILLION inhabitants. It is home to some of the MOST

FAMOUS MUSEUMS, landmarks, festivals and theaters

IN THE WORLD. Source: Abroad101.com

the “Chateaux!” Outside Paris, I recommend going to “Mont-Saint Michel”, go down to Nice and Monacco, visit Lyon, go to the Alps if possible.”

Though, students should keep in mind that Paris is still a big city and, “People are not always going to be nice and helpful but you need to understand this and deal with it. Enjoy every moment and learn from your experiences. The ideal student should be willing to adapt to the French culture and undertake challenges with a positive attitude.

In the end, the essence of Paris will take over you. One student vividly recounts, “I will spend the rest of my life trying to reclaim the

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perfection of the lazy afternoons I spent on the terrace of some cafe slowly drinking a bottle of wine with one of my best friends.

No city is so full of beauty. Paris offers an unparalleled aesthetic stimulation, from the food to the art to the architecture to the smells. I am no longer the same person. I felt while I was there that Paris knew who I was supposed to be and was slowly teaching me how to become it.”

Top Programs: AIFS - Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne Students enjoy this program for it’s ability to make learning so interactive and experiential. One

student says, “I took an Architecture class that was like a tour of the coolest churches and buildings in Paris almost every day of class. It was brilliant.” Another student remarks, “I was a little dissatisfied with my living arrangement (namely how small it was) but the program was well run, and the advisors overseas were wonderful.” You may not live like a king, but the strong support staff is worth it.

CIEE: Paris - Paris Center for Critical Studies CIEE’s administration does a great job getting students acclimated, and they are, “very helpful to the students with our French language placements, host families, homesickness,

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

and other concerns. There was a small faculty, so we all developed a close relationship to each other, which was really nice.” Additionally, students appreciate that they have access to, “conversation partners”, who we would meet up with at least 4 times during the semester. In my Intercultural Communication class we had to participate in workshops with another group of French students from another city.

This was great to have contact with other French people since we take classes only with Americans.”

Exchange - Sciences Po Overall, students feel that this program is best for more independent, advanced French speakers. “If you are really attached

to home or haven’t traveled that much, I suggest you try one of the sponsored programs instead of Sciences Po. Doing a direct exchange really requires you to be extremely independent and almost aggressive in making friends and connections. If you do this program, I think you can prepare to have a really authentic experience! It is nice - in kind of an elitist way - to be able to say that.” The grading is tough, but it’s also important to understand the different grading system, which, “differs because its on a scale that goes up to 20... Don’t try to divide this number into a 100 because it doesn’t work this way. Pretty much a 17 and above is impossible to get… a student receiving a 14-15 should feel

extremely good.” Students are also required to utilize their French frequently. One student reflects, “My presentation skills and confidence are much better thanks to the mandatory “exposé” that each class requires as part of its assessments.”

Interested in other cities in France?

Check out these programs!

Aix-en-Provence: • Institute for American Universities • Aix Center • Wellesley College •U niversite de Provence (Aix-Marseille) Grenoble: • API (Academic Programs Intl.)

• University Stendhal, Grenoble III Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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Barcelona By | Mike Stone | Mike@Abroad101.com

B

arcelona is a triple threat: it features the resources of a world class city, while offering the unparalleled Mediterranean coastline and a unique fusion of history with a modern flair, evidenced by its historic Gothic Quarter coupled with the famous Gaudi architecture. One student captures the spirit of the city, exclaiming, “The people are so relaxed and kind. They are very passionate about their city and way of life, and of course, their futbol!

The city itself is beautiful and is surrounded by music, art, the ocean and the smell of fantastic food is everywhere. Around every corner there is always something new and exciting that is happening. There is always an adventure in Barcelona!”

This adventure is known to attract students who are interested in balancing cultural immersion with the famous nightlife, sometimes resulting in an extreme. “Barcelona is one of the top party cities in the world, meaning that most of the people in my program came there for that reason alone. This was an endless source of frustration for me, as many had no interest in the language or culture whatsoever.”

However, it is up to the student to mold the experience they desire, and many appreciate Barcelona’s slower pace.

“You become aware of the Catalan culture immediately. I want to live there some day in the future; it’s where I feel the most content. The program is just a means to get there, to take courses about the history and culture. The rest is up to the individual, and I believe this experience has made me better as a person.”

The unique Catalan lifestyle also provides an opportunity for many students to reflect on work/life balance back home. In fact, one found that, “Americans are very money driven. In Spain they balance work and play much better. They live less extravagantly, but spend less time at work. My study

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Barcelona, Spain

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Abroad experience was extremely worthwhile...I loved seeing that there are other ways to live than the way we do at home.”

While there are some fantastic food options, they often aren’t cheap, and offerings are pretty polarized. “Overall, you can find decent food. There are two types in my opinion; you had the cheap...

Generic foods that weren’t that good, and then if you wanted to have a good meal you had to spend over 20 euros. There was really no middle, either cheap or expensive, bad or good.” Additionally, the “Seafood in Barcelona is to die for. They eat a lot of food that Americans are not accustomed to.

almost all the time during the day, but at night it is more wise to take taxis or at least walk with friends. It is easy to detect a potential area or situation that might be dangerous.

However, for the most part the city is well lit, there are almost

“The people are very passionate about their way of life. The city itself is beautiful and is surrounded by music, art, the ocean. Around every corner there is always something new and exciting that is happening.

There is always an adventure in Barcelona!”

– Ray | Antelope Valley College | Music & Engineering

Most important is to keep an open mind and try everything you can.

Spaniards don’t really understand vegetarians. The vegetarians I knew had a lot of trouble with the food.

Just don’t be picky.”

When it comes to safety, “Barcelona is a safe city if you are smart about it. I walked alone

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of the Barcelona metro.”

The grading system of Spanish universities is also quite unique. One student comments, “I think that the Spanish system of grading didn’t adequately reflect my learning/ performance, nor was it conducive to me learning the most. I found it very difficult to get an A by the Spanish grading system, yet very easy to get a B and so I didn’t feel the need to push myself.”

There is no doubt that Barcelona is a true gem, and students are amazed to find that “Barcelona is such a fun, vibrant city. There is always something to do--attending museums, eating paella, drinking sangria, dancing in clubs. The city has it all and more!”

Top Programs: always people on the street, and you can feel safe.” Also, the public transportation is fantastic. As one student concludes, “Even though I go to school in DC and nearly expect to have efficient public transportation...I hardly ever had problems and I miss the efficiency

CEA Global Education: Barcelona, Spain CEA’s program staff are very well regarded among students.

According to one student, “The CEA staff was really unbelievable.

I felt personally close to most of the staff, and they were overseeing

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

close to 400 students! They were enthusiastic, easy to talk to, and well organized.”

Another student notes, “CEA was a very nurturing program that helped tremendously in making me feel comfortable. They met me at the airport, drove me to the hotel where we were all to meet, set me up with roommates, gave us activities to keep us busy, showed us to our apartment, and were a constant source of help at the school for planning trips, getting around, advice and so on.”

CIEE - Business & Culture This program gets high marks for the wide variety of cultural excursions. “The cultural activities coordinator was great and did such a great job finding activities that would be fun and interesting for everyone. We went on a trip to Madrid for the weekend, toured the Penedés region and Montserrat, a hike to eat traditional Catalan food, saw a flamenco show, and even had a cook and taste where we cooked traditional Spanish food and were able to take the recipes home with us.” Another Christopher Columbus Statue

fantastic resource to help students acclimate into the culture is the guardian angels program, comprised of local university students “whose jobs were to help us find our way around the city. On our first day in Barcelona, we walked around for five hours with our guides while they showed us the city. It was a great way to get acquainted with Barcelona.”

IES Abroad - IES Abroad Barcelona Center Many students attend IES’ summer program, which is a popular choice for those who cannot go abroad during the academic year and provides a more intimate environment.

An attendee of the summer program remarks, “I found the administration to be very helpful.

They were very familiar with the country and its customs. The program was pretty small. This was nice because everyone got to know each other.” Field trips are also popular among participants, and one found that, “the optional field trip I took to the Basque country was incredible. I had an amazing time and IES did a very good job of planning lots of interesting activities I loved.”

International Studies Abroad (ISA) Pompeu Fabra University & Autonomous University of Barcelona Students on this program feel that they are in good hands. “ISA offers a great program that is a good balance of support/organized trips and activities while still giving you your independence and letting you explore on your own and have your study abroad experience to be as you want it.” “Short informational meetings every once in a while kept us all in check in terms of classes, trips, activities, etc. Most of the directors are Spanish, so they have a good knowledge about stores, restaurants, festivals, etc. around Barcelona.” The

language requirement can appear stringent, but results in very strong language acquisition. “At first, I was intimidated by the level of language fluency required in this program, but now I am generally fluent in Spanish and I even understand Catalán.”

Placa d'Espanya in Barcelona, Spain

Interested in other cities in Spain?

Check out these programs!

Granada: Academic Programs International University of Granada Madrid: •N ew York University NYU in Madrid Salamanca: • I nternational Studies Abroad (ISA) University of Salamanca Seville: • CIEE - Liberal Arts •S weet Briar College: Junior Year in Spain - University of Seville Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

SYDNEY By | Mike Stone | Mike@Abroad101.com

B

eing located so far away, Sydney remains a magical and exotic wonder to many.

Though, given its distance, many students decide to make the trek and spend several months living in this breathtaking city that would otherwise be so unattainable. One student chose Sydney, “because I wanted to go to an English speaking country and have always wanted to travel to Australia and I didn’t know when my next chance to go would be due to how far away it is.”

Another reflects on Sydney’s strong impression, saying, “If Australia wasn’t a 24 hour flight away, I would move there in a heartbeat.”

Given it’s world-renowned beaches and reputation of being a more laid-back destination, many students are attracted to the relaxing pace of life that Sydney offers. “If you are laid back and you are not looking to be “shocked” or “challenged” but looking for a fun and beautiful place, with exceptionally nice

people,” then Sydney is a great choice.

Though, others feel that, “...if you want to do something other than party and surf (with the occasional bit of school), go somewhere else.”

Others were able to balance the beach with the diverse cultural offerings. “It’s a really fun city, with so much to offer. There are tons of museums, beautiful beaches, extreme activities and a really fun nightlife.”

It is also evident that there is a lot more to Sydney than what meets the eye. “I think that a lot of people assume that since Australia is an English speaking country it does not have very much of its own culture (or have a culture much different from America’s). This is not true, Australia has its own culture and people who live there are extremely nice and want to

share their culture with you.” Another student agrees that, “The experience was a lot different from what I was expecting, I think I thought it would be more American than it was. The people and attitudes are much more relaxed there, and I enjoyed living in a different atmosphere for a few months.”

Academically, the Australian university system has many distinctions from what students may be used to back home.

“Although they don’t give many quizzes, busy work, and everyday assignments, they do give big projects and tests that make up a large portion of your grade.

The grading system is completely different so make sure you check with your home school to see what kind of grades are equivalent.”

Students also mentioned the distinction between quality and quantity of assignments. The Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad]

work load was less per week than in the United States, but more challenging. I wrote several research papers during the semester and was expected to read at least two novels per week.

While the workload was much less and there were less assignments, it was more difficult to get a good grade on those few assignments.

Sydney also offers a unique variety of foods, given so many international influences, and apparently some popular vegetables were a surprise.

“Some people complained about the food, but I absolutely loved it.

There was lots of sushi, stir fries, great cereals, yummy desserts and lots of pumpkin.”

The cost of living in Sydney is also something to be aware of. “Sydney is expensive, and getting a job can be difficult so keep that in mind when choosing between Sydney and somewhere cheaper like Brisbane or Cairns.” As far as safety, students overwhelmingly feel that, “Sydney is a really safe city. Of course you need to be careful but I never felt scared while alone during the day or when I was out late at night with my friends. Public transportation is also very safe during the day. I would never take the bus by myself late at night but if you are with a group of people it is fine.” It also doesn’t hurt that, “Australians are extremely nice people, so feel free to ask anyone for help because most of the time they won’t just tell you what you should do, they will probably take the time to show you.

Many students appreciate the fact that Sydney is a gateway to so many other exotic destinations.

As one student noticed, “Studying abroad in Sydney made me realize that anywhere in the world is only a plane ride away.”

Another adds that, “I also took full advantage of the free time I had to travel (I traveled to Byron Bay, Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef/Whitsunday Islands, New Zealand).”

The long-term impact of Sydney is clear: “I learned to slow down a little and enjoy life, and I truly gained a different perspective by studying where I was an outsider.”

Another student captures what makes this city so desirable: “I trekked the outback, surfed the beaches, sailed the ocean, dove in

the Great Barrier Reef, and hiked the epic mountains and glaciers of New Zealand. The overall experience is incomparable to every day life, and I hope that everyone can get a glimpse of this magical world that is tucked far away amidst the sprawling blue sea.”

Top Programs: AIFS - Macquarie University Located outside of Sydney, “Marsfield was a perfectly balanced place to be. There is a huge mall about 10 minutes walking distance from campus.

It is only a 40 minute bus ride to Sydney.” Students also feel that this program is a good value.

“AIFS includes so much in the program fee. Every month we got a meal card which had just about 300 dollars put on it. They also have so many included day trips.

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

We went to a rugby game, the blue mountains, the opera house for a show, and the taronga zoo.

AIFS was always on top of their game and it was always so easy to get in touch with them. They were helpful in every aspect. I do not think I ever waited longer than 12 hours to get a response from our Advisor...There were about 60 kids in my program and we never walk by each other without saying hello.”

Education Abroad Network University of Sydney The Education Abroad Network is, “with you every step of the way, from picking classes, to scheduling flights, to packing, to immersing yourself in the culture, etc. Also, everything provided by the Education Abroad Network was above and beyond my expectations, such as the housing

(phenomenal), orientation, and the staff. I truly feel that they made my study abroad experience the best it could be.” Their experience running the program is also noted, as, “They are extremely organized and have been running this program long enough to be prepared for pretty much everything they expect to happen every year.”

IES Abroad - University of New South Wales The IES program leaders are very well regarded. One participant says, “My IES leader was always there for us, informative, and very personable.” Another reiterates that, “IES was great, and most of the credit goes to the program leader, who was friendly, funny, helpful, and very much engaged with us throughout the entirety of the program (e.g., we all had his cell phone number and called

him numerous times). IES also organized a very fun mid-semester trip to the Great Barrier Reef and helped foster a bond among the students in the program.”

Interested in other cities in Australia?

Check out these programs!

Brisbane: •A ustralearn Queensland University of Technology, •E xchange - University of Queensland Melbourne: • I FSA-Butler University of Melbourne Perth: • I FSA-Butler University of Western Australia Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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By | Mike Stone | Mike@Abroad101.com

W

hile Italy remains one of the most popular study abroad destinations, Florence offers a more intimate experience than neighboring Rome, and students enjoy its smaller size. “You fall in love with the city and environment and miss it greatly when you are home.

A great city to study in due to its smaller size yet still with an incredible amount of art, history, and places to see. Being able to walk everywhere you would want to go is crucial and was a huge part of my experience.”

Similar to other European hotspots, Florence can get expensive, prompting one student to summarize her experience as: “Florence: Lots of money for lots of art.” and another to simply advise, “BRING MORE MONEY!!!!!” The good news is that, while it might be tempting to explore the rest of Europe, Florence offers enough to keep you busy throughout the semester, so you don’t have to spend money traveling every

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weekend. One student advises, “I suggest lots of travel, but also make sure you get a feel of what it is like to live in your local city, that is very important.”

Then, of course, there is the food. There was no holding back on the food. “Holy Mother of God. BEST FOOD OF MY LIFE.” Another foodie reiterates such acclaim, stating that, “It would be hard not to be satisfied eating four months’ worth of Italian food.

That said, I don’t have any dietary restrictions. People that follow a vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, or otherwise alternative diet would probably have a difficult time. Lacto-ovo vegetarians, like I once was, would be just fine and find a range of foods to eat.”Also, to save money and experience the best of the local offerings, “Stay away from the tourist-trap restaurants. It was a treat to wander around my area and find little hidden shops and restaurants that would have otherwise gone completely unnoticed.”

The academic structure seems to be more lax and offers a more holistic approach to learning. “I felt the workload was fair, so I was able to really delve into the subject matter and push myself as a scholar without the administration pushing me.

The grading system was fair as well. It was great to go to a school in Europe where taking a break from work is considered necessary, instead of something to be guilty about.” Furthermore, “there wasn’t a lot of work but the work I did have was difficult. Teachers expect you to just write down verbatim what they say without writing anything on chalkboards which was different for me.”

As far as safety, “Florence is as safe as any city could be. Keep your wits about you, and you’ll be fine!” One student even observes that, “I felt that Florence was very

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

safe, indeed there were times where I realized that I felt too safe.”

Socially, “The nightlife is great, but if that’s a top priority I would recommend a bigger city like Rome or Barcelona.”

Many students also mentioned how Florence is particularly accommodating to students who do not speak Italian, which has it’s advantages and setbacks. “I didn’t necessarily need to know Italian; Florence is big enough that I heard as much English as I did Italian on a daily basis, but I did make a concerted effort to speak the language, and that helped a ton...

Speak it as often as possible, even if they speak English back to you once you show that you are trying, usually people are very willing to

“practice with you.”

Florence is a city of endless opportunities, and between the food, history, and strong “walkability” score, it’s a student

“Holy Mother of God. Best food of my life.” favorite. “Florence is a wonderful city, not too big, not too complicated but still a Major city with an endless number of things to see. I spent 4 months in Florence and still did not go into every museum I wanted to, every restaurant I wanted to, every

shop I wanted to.” As one student humorously remarks, “I also feel like I was able to take home with me a bit of the laid-back Italian attitude, which is major for me (I tend to stress over every little thing - I always say Italy was like my Prozac ;).” For those looking for a more natural destresser, this is the place for you.

Top Programs: API (Academic Programs International) - Lorenzo de’Medici The Italian International Institute “I had a fantastic experience with API. The administrators were always willing to meet with you about any problems or questions you might have. Courses were easy to switch in and out of, depending on availability.” API also organized Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

many opportunities for students, including “many day and weekend trips around Italy - Venice and Cinque Terre among many others.

They held some cultural events, but mainly encouraged students to go out and explore with friends.

They recognized that the best way to learn about the culture was to get away from the study abroad program and immerse yourself in it.”

“If you felt sick, someone from the

Syracuse University - Syracuse University in Florence As one returning student asserts, “I was very satisfied with the administration of Syracuse University Florence. Each staff member I came into contact with was extremely helpful, well-connected to local culture, and prompt when handling situations that needed attention. My expectations were more than met.

Bravo!” Though some students feel

“A great city to study in due to its smaller size yet still with an incredible amount of art, history, and places to see” – Alex | Providence College | Political Science

program brought you to a doctor and stayed with you. They were very considerate.”

Fairfield University Fairfield in Florence “To ease the stress of mid term time, finals time, holidays away from home and down time during the semester, the program arranged dinners at nice restaurants in the city. Also, the orientation process was very successful and fun and brought us into the experience very smoothly.” The level of cultural immersion may be moderate, (“If you want a program that fully immerses you in the culture, this may not be for you.”) but this may be the best fit for certain students. “If you are an American student who loves culture and learning and is not afraid to experience something entirely different, but does not have the qualifications to be completely immersed, though you may want to be, do this program.”

that the program’s reputation can be somewhat Americanized, with personal drive, the experience is still rewarding. “An American student can feasibly get along in Florence without speaking (or trying to learn) a word of Italian or attempting to learn about local culture, but he or she would be missing out on so many opportunities and even friendships.

There are students like that within the Syracuse program, but then there are also those that try their hardest to experience Florence in ways beyond finding all the American college student hangouts. These are the students that will glean the most from this fabulous program.”

Interested in other cities in Italy?

Check out these programs!

Bologna: Brown University University of Bologna Rome: Arcadia - Accademia Italiana Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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Chang An Street, Tiananmen, Beijing, China

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

By | Mike Stone | Mike@Abroad101.com

B

eijing has become a very popular option for American students to study abroad as it is inexpensive and allows for serious language acquisition.

Unlike much of the Western world, it gives students an entirely new perspective to embrace. As one student eloquently discerns, “China is not like Europe and should not be confused as such. You go to find out about yourself and learn. You need to be motivated and determined to learn the language and enjoy the culture.

You will forever be an outsider, but that doesn’t mean you have to be an observer.”

One of the reasons why students remain “outsiders” is because anyone who is not of Asian descent is somewhat of an oddity. One student writes, “We received plenty of stares walking down the street, but 99% of them were pleasantly curious, not hostile. I never became target of blatant discrimination (beyond being quoted unusually high prices at the market, which I soon learned to bargain down like a pro).” Another student agrees, “Americans, especially white Americans, have a pretty high status in China so I often felt like a celebrity walking down the street. Although, it is difficult to overcome the feeling of being received as “the other” while in China.”

Imperial Palace

Even more rare than a non-Asian person in Beijing, is a non-Asian person who speaks Chinese. Because of this, students often overhear native Chinese people talking about them. As one student puts it, “I had to sit through a number of conversations about me, but the vast majority were not malicious or Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad]

hateful at all. They merely talked about my long nose or used me as a jumping off point to have a conversation between themselves about foreigners.” Another student adds, “I didn’t feel like I was so much of a spectacle in comparison with other Westerners in Beijing, but I did feel like it was a better idea to avoid hot button issues like Japan, Taiwan, and Tibet with people outside of my program.”

Many students also find the food to be tasty and cheap. As one student puts it, “The sheer amount of cheap, delicious food available was amazing. Cafeteria food wasn’t the best, but it was

are a vegetarian, I suggest either accepting a little bit of meat here and there, or find a few things that work (hint: egg dishes) and branch out from there. For vegans, you will have a very hard time finding awesome vegan meals and will have to be vigilant in staying healthy. It wish I could say it was going to be easy, but it won’t. Plan accordingly.”

One student also adds that one of his biggest challenges is the “Overall lack of a single good cup of coffee (in the whole of Beijing).”

The food isn’t the only wonderful, inexpensive thing in Beijing. Students have many similar things to say about the public transportation there as well. One

American city. No guns, low violent crime-rates, etc., but the pollution, traffic conditions, and public health hazards (don’t drink the tap-water, etc.) were sometimes annoying.”

Another student adds, “I felt safer in China than I do in Texas. There are security guards everywhere, and they have a large incentive not to mess with foreigners.”

Top Programs: CET - Intensive Chinese Language While reflecting on his time abroad through CET, this student writes: “When I decided on the CET Beijing Chinese Language program, I viewed CET as a happy-medium between the overly intensive

“China is not like Europe and should not be confused as such. You need to be motivated and determined to learn the language and enjoy the culture. You will forever be an outsider, but that doesn’t mean you have to be an observer.”

– Spivmaster | Trinity University | Chinese Studies

definitely sufficient. When I got bored with it, there were numerous hole-in-the-wall restaurants to try!”

While there is also Western food available, one student advises to, “Just manage your money well and don’t splurge it on Western food because that is what is expensive.”

Though, some students had trouble adjusting to the Chinese diet. “After two months of eating only Chinese food, I would have done anything to eat a fresh salad. The food was delicious, and there is a wide variety of choices; however, finding healthy food (i.e. something low in starch that was not fried in oil) was difficult at times.” Another student also discusses how it was difficult to eat there on a vegetarian diet. “If you

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student writes, “It’s SO cheap and efficient. The subways are the cheapest way to go, and from my classroom to a subway stop didn’t even take 5 minutes. If you want a more convenient and faster way than the subway, taxis are very plentiful and extremely cheap.

Transportation was never an issue.”

Another student adds, “I used the subway as much as possible.

You can get anywhere you want to go for less than fifty cents, and although it is packed at times it only adds to the experience.”

Many students also discuss how they felt extremely safe while they were in Beijing. “China is pretty much safer than the average major

programs that keep students in their room all day and night doing homework, versus programs where students realistically spend more time at the bars and shops rather than studying.” He adds, “One of the best administrative parts of the program was the cultural reimbursement. Each student could get up to 70 yuan reimbursed from his/her expenses for cultural events/ activities. For example, going to a local concert and museum or taking ping pong lessons or lessons on a traditional Chinese instrument were considered activities students could be reimbursed for. Beijing is full of cultural attractions and CET provided field trips to see many of the attractions including the Great

[ Subject Line]

Beijing Tiananmen Square

Wall and Summer Palace. The big trips organized by CET were a hike on the Great Wall and a historical trip which changes from city to city each semester (my semester was Pingyao and Taiyuan). CET offered small trips nearly every weekend which ranged from a trip to a local hill (Xiangshan) to pick up garbage with an environmental group to trips to the 798 Art District. Each week there would be a sign-up list for trips.”

IES - Beijing Foreign Studies University The majority of the students on the IES program had very similar experiences. One student writes, “Great balance of school and

‘play’. There is a lot of work, but there are ample opportunities to pursue your own intellectual interests within China. It’s not a true experience if you are in the classroom studying characters all day--you can do that at home.

But given the opportunity and the tools to take the bus to Purple Bamboo park and converse with locals is invaluable and an enriching educational experience.” Another one adds that the administration was wonderful. “IES Beijing seemed very special because it was small enough to have a homey and family feel. I felt very comfortable voicing any problems I encountered, and enjoyed interacting with the administration because they were

so nice and personable. It was also well organized, I never had a problem of not knowing who to go to for a specific problem. The program also did a good job of making the students want to go out and explore Beijing where you would meet random people who would talk to you in Chinese or English about anything.”

Interested in other cities in China?

Check out these programs!

Shanghai: IES Abroad: Fudan University Hangzhou: CET: CV Starr-Middlebury School Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

By | Mike Stone | Mike@Abroad101.com

B

ecause of its European feel but cheaper price tag, Buenos Aires has recently become one of the most popular destinations for American students studying abroad.

As one student writes, “I fell in love with Buenos

Aires, like most people, so it wasn’t hard for me to immerse myself in the culture and society.

Argentina is unique because Buenos Aires is a European city, in South America. The peso/dollar is great for Americans. A meal can range from 10 to 160 pesos ($2$40), and $40 is going to buy you the nicest meal in the city with wine included. Argentina is very

Puerto Madero Buenos Aires, Argentina

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad]

Many students also commented on how great the public transportation is. “Public transportation is fantastic in Buenos Aires. I got around mainly on the subway. But between 8-10am and then at 5-7pm the subway will be packed with people. Be ready to be squashed!”

While most students’ comments were very positive, Buenos Aires has its problems just like every city. As one student thoughtfully concludes, “There is a huge variation in ethnic background and history that has

Plaza del Congreso, Congress Square,

reasonable a great place to Buenos Aires,and Argentina go if you are on a budget.”

Buenos Aires is also obviously a great option for students looking to improve their Spanish language skills. To help with language acquisition, many programs have you take classes at Argentine universities. One student writes, “The workload is very much focused around the final exam, which you may not need to take if you receive high enough grades on the midterm. Argentine classes are mostly taught in blocks and professors tend to ramble on.

They are very smart, but for an American who is used to some sort of class structure, the system can easily be frustrating. Still, it is an amazing experience to learn in a different culture.”

In addition to exposure to native Argentines through classes, students also discuss the kind and friendly reputation that Argentines have earned. One student comments, “Argentines are super nice, very accepting people. They are always willing to discuss politics… but [they] don’t go crazy over political conversations like many Americans do. That was nice.”

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“The workload is very much focused around the final exam, which you may not need to take if you receive high enough grades on the midterm.”

– Jon | Tufts University | International Relations

created an interesting social dynamic you will not get anywhere else. If you pay attention, you will witness corruption, violence, and the remains of a very devastating dictatorship -- all things that leave you with a very different perspective on the world and your place in it!”

Many students also commented on the high rate of petty theft.

“Several students on my program

were mugged/robbed and some of my local friends were robbed as well while I was there. You just need to always be aware of your surroundings and never walk alone at night.” Another student writes, “Some may tell you that Buenos Aires is not safe. Buenos Aires is as unsafe as any other major city in the world. If you use common sense, protect your belongings when you are using public transit, don’t walk around at night, and don’t make yourself an obvious target, then it is a very safe place.”

Another student gives some good tips on how to avoid being ripped off by cab drivers while you are there. “Only use “RadioTaxis”.

You will see “Radio Taxi” written on the side of many cabs -- those that don’t are less safe because they are drivers without an affiliation to a company that monitors them via radio. That means they could be anyone.” She continues, “Be careful of fake money -- it’s very common. You’ll learn how to tell the difference by texture and color.

Taxi drivers will often try and take you the long route -- get to know the city so you can protect yourself from being overcharged.”

Cabildo, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

the teaching method a lot.

Teachers were rotated every two to three days, so I experienced a slightly different form of teaching at least twice a week. The method also focused on conversation.

After two weeks I felt a lot more confident in speaking. I was able to meet all of the faculty at the school and all of them were interested in how I was doing academically and how I was enjoying my stay. They worked hard to make sure that I was comfortable in the surroundings and that I was receiving the best program for me.”

Besides being a great place to learn spanish, Buenos Aires is also known for its steak. Many students comment on how the beef is some of the best they have ever had!

However, for non-steak eaters, it can be a little difficult. “I don’t really like steak, which is a HUGE part of the Argentine diet, so it was a bit challenging! Also, they don’t really eat vegetables, so that was an adjustment as well!”

Overall, students are quite satisfied with this treasured city in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Be willing to step out and make mistakes. The people in Buenos Aires are very friendly and willing to talk. Make the most of the opportunities you have.”

Top Programs: Bridge Abroad Students rave about their time abroad in Buenos Aires through Bridge Abroad. One student writes, “The whole experience was better than I had been expecting.

My host family was encouraging and helpful. The work load was fairly light yet useful. All the teachers were friendly. I enjoyed

IFSA-Butler One of the many reasons to study in Buenos Aires through IFSA-Butler is because of the tutoring system that they set up. As one student writes, “Through Butler, Americans are guaranteed a tutor from the University of Buenos Aires. There were two teaching assistants in my class and I met with them once a week to go over material. They became two of my good friends and were incredibly helpful.” She continues, “Butler gave us a lot of freedom, but also gave us tons of opportunities to volunteer, go on excursions, and explore Buenos Aires through the program. I liked that you didn’t have to do that stuff if you wanted to be on your own.

It was the best of both worlds, because some people had more of a group mentality, and they could find that through Butler, and other people, like me, wanted to do my own thing.”

CIEE “The program was very academically intense. We were not allowed to speak any English on-site which was great but was difficult when trying to make sure registration and everything was correct.” Another student comments, “They sent ample information about cultural

expectations, what to pack, etc.

They had online webinars to answer any questions and we could also email with program directors any questions we had about packing, school, homestays etc. We [arrived] on a specific day and then the program provided transportation from the airport to the hotel where we stayed for the first night. It was very convenient. [Orientation] was very helpful. They even gave us a list of buses to use to get to the program center and all other academic sites from our homestay addresses.” Also, many students

agree that the “CIEE on-site administration in Buenos Aires is very good. Knowing other people that studied with other programs in Buenos Aires, I can pretty confidently say that CIEE maintains the most robust administration of all the programs there.”

Interested in other cities in Argentina? Check out this program!

Cordoba: Center for Cross Cultural Study Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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By | Mike Stone | Mike@Abroad101.com

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F

or a long time, Prague was considered one of the hidden gems of Central Europe. Recently, it has become a more popular destination for study abroad students, given its central location, making it easy to travel to places like Berlin, Vienna and Budapest. One student writes, “Weekend trips around central Europe were unbeatable.

The places are fantastic and the transportation is cheap.”

for the Metro at the most. I liked taking the trams more because that allowed me to see more of the streets, people, shops, etc.”

Because the transportation is so easy to use, some students said it allowed them to see more of the city. “I would take trams around the city by myself because it was just fun. Since we received a transport pass when we arrived in the city, we had freedom to go anywhere we wanted.”

Many students also comment on how wonderful the public transportation in Prague is. “I used public transportation every day. The trams, metro, and bus system is unbelievable. They are always on time, clean, safe and reliable.” Another student agrees, “Prague has the best public transportation of any city I’ve been. I waited five minutes

While students agree that the transportation is phenomenal, there tends to be more disagreement about the food. One students writes, “The local Czech food is not extremely appetizing, but there are plenty of other options whether it be Mexican, Italian, or cafe-style. I had friends that were vegetarians or kept kosher and both were able to find

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

restaurants and grocery stores that catered to their needs.”

Another student was a little more adventurous and tried many traditional Czech dishes. “I did dine out with some frequency to taste the Prague experience, trying boar, duck, rabbit, goulash, and all sorts of Bohemian greatness.

The food stands lining Wenceslas Square are delicious at any time of day, from 9am on the way to class to 6am on the way back from a nightclub. Try

the Smazeny Syr. There are a number of expat restaurants as well ranging from Chinese to American to Italian to KFC. I was never hungry.” Another student advises to, “Just make sure to focus on getting enough fresh veggies and fruit as you wont routinely find them at restaurants.”

Many students also feel that, while they learn a lot while they are there, the workload in general is a little more manageable. One student really enjoyed that aspect of his program, commenting that there was, “Less pressure felt throughout the semester, more time to complete readings and assignments due to the once/twice a week schedules, instructors knew their material because they or a relative

“The workload is very much focused around the final exam, which you may not need to take if you receive high enough grades on the midterm.”

– Jon | Tufts University | International Relations

Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

lived the history, experienced the culture, and showed genuine interest in passing this knowledge along.” Also, many of the classes have a focus on Central and Eastern Europe.

One student observes that the classes were similar to his home university, but that, “The only large difference was that I learned a lot more about Central, and Eastern European history than I would have at home, this was pretty interesting.” Many other students also choose to take Czech language as one of their classes. This is very practical while living abroad!

“I practiced [Czech] language with my American and Czech friends. It was easier if you knew the language, so I tried as best as I could from what I could remember at the time. [This was] helpful especially during busy lunch hours. Most people did not speak English, but a good deal of them knew a little bit.”

Students also feel that Prague is a safe city to study in.

One student writes, “As long as I had an awareness of my surroundings, I always felt safe.

At night, I rarely walked alone, I never felt uncomfortable or put in a situation that could potentially be dangerous. No one on my program encountered any problems, and it definitely helps that we tended to travel together.”

Top Programs: NYU Many students were extremely enthusiastic about the NYU program. One writes, “The majority of the courses included a major assignment at the midterm and at the final, and the grading was based off these two pieces.

The classes were small and mostly discussion based, and the teachers always brought a new and interesting European perspective

to the course material.” She continues, “This program was extremely organized, thorough, and attentive to the students.

If anyone had a problem, it was addressed immediately and the staff made the abroad transition much smoother.”

Another student agrees that the “Administration was kind, helpful, and understanding. From the dorm monitors to the Program Head I had nothing but positive interactions with all involved.”

“Try the Smazeny Syr. There are a number of expat restaurants as well ranging from Chinese to American to Italian to KFC. I was never hungry” – Thomas | Providence College | History

AIFS - Charles University Students have wonderful things to say about their experience in Prague through AIFS. “AIFS and their staff both in the US and in Prague were absolutely great. From my adviser in the Connecticut office, to the program director in Prague, and everyone in between were so good to my peers and I. The Prague staff were available in the office located right in the heart of downtown 5 days a week and

by cell phone if necessary 24/7.

They really stressed the cultural component of living and studying in Prague and the Czech Republic and offered numerous cultural immersion activities ranging from weekend trips to day-walks.

Though the office computers and resources were outdated, their printers were of great help for class papers. The staff were friendly and willing to help with problems ranging from Visa applications to asking directions in the Czech language to learning how to say ‘I don’t speak much Czech, but you have pretty eyes.’ in the host language. They did everything right and made the experience so much more enjoyable and easier. They learned all our names and ensured almost daily that we were enjoying ourselves in Prague.”

USAC While Abroad101 has fewer reviews of USAC, participants seem to really enjoy it and it also comes with a cheaper price tag.

One student writes, “I thought they did a fabulous job with orientation and our trip. This program was pretty cheap in comparison to the other programs in Prague and around the world. I did another program the following semester that was a good $10,000 more expensive and the orientation, trip and general administration [were not] as good as USAC’s in Prague.” Another student adds, “The people at USAC were wonderful- they were always present to help us out and make the adjustment easier and our time more enjoyable.”

Interested in other parts of the Czech Republic? Check out this program!

Brno: 6 Exchange: Brno Masaryk University Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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Statue of the Little Mermaid, Copenhagen, Denmark

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

A

s one student writes, “Copenhagen is a beautiful place, with beautiful people.” It is a wonderful place to study abroad, filled with amazing Scandinavian culture that is difficult to find in other parts of the world.

Many students have a great experience studying in Copenhagen, but a major draw back is how expensive it is. As one student writes, “Denmark is expensive; I purposely didn’t add up my expenses abroad because I didn’t want to know what I eventually ended up spending. The expensive lifestyle was definitely one of the worse parts of being abroad.” Another student agrees but managed to keep track of her finances.

“Copenhagen is currently one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and coming from a lowincome family, I had to rely on scholarships. Plan out certain items of interest that you want to buy, including gifts for friends and family

By | Mike Stone | Mike@Abroad101.com back home, and give yourself an allowance each week. I took out cash from an ATM twice a month (to reduce foreign transaction fees) and budgeted myself accordingly. If I ran out of money before my next withdrawal.... well, I forced myself to make more conservative financial choices.”

and it made my life so much easier and it really makes you feel like a local.” Students agree that doing things like biking to help you assimilate to the culture is a good idea, especially because “Danish people are kind of hard to get to know... so it was interesting living with them.”

While the cost of living is expensive, many students were able to cut down on it by biking around the city instead of taking public transportation.

As one student writes, “Public transportation in Denmark is excellent, and even more so is BIKING - Danes bike everywhere, and taking part in the bike culture of Denmark was one of my favorite parts of living there.”

Another student agrees, “I strongly encourage the residents to get a bike in Copenhagen.

I had one for the last 3 weeks

One student describes the type of person that should go abroad to Copenhagen fairly well. “Anyone who is looking to live in a major city that is still a little off-the-beaten track, is interested in biking, likes being surrounded by beautiful people and can stand cold, dark weather would enjoy Denmark.”

Top Programs Danish Institute for Study Abroad DIS is by far the most popular program to go on in

Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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Copenhagen. It has a large variety of academic tracks to choose from, which allows students to get credit for almost every major. One student writes, “DIS is particularly good for architecture students because of the studio-based curriculum.” Another elaborates that, “Especially for pre-meds, the Medical Practice and Policy program can really cement or change your decision to pursure a career in medicine - want to draw

“Get a bike in Copenhagen. I had one for the last 3 weeks and it made my life so much easier and it really makes you feel like a local.”

– Tayler | The University of Texas | Nursing

blood from real patients? Want to witness surgeries firsthand? Not interested in medicine? Check out all the other programs DIS has to offer! DIS has some of the most exciting and colorful study abroad programs that I’ve researched yet.”

Another student also loved the “buddy system” that DIS promoted. “The program tried to promote contacts with locals by having a ‘buddy system’ that paired you with a local, and that was helpful for me to meet Danish and other internationals living in Copenhagen. I would definitely recommend the buddy system to all incoming DIS students.”

Frederick’s Church, Copenhagen, Denmark

Finally, the general consensus is that “DIS is very well-organized and definitely has the academic and social well-being of its students in mind during all parts of the program. The classes and trips work well together, and I definitely learned a lot about architecture, Denmark and myself by completing the program.”

Interested in other parts of Denmark?

Check out this program!

Aarhus: Exchange: Aarhus Aarhus University Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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C

ape Town is quickly becoming one of the most alluring destinations for Americans to study abroad. It offers beaches, a great exchange rate for Americans and insight into one of the world’s most interesting histories. As one student put it, “I literally had the best time in South Africa.”

While Cape Town has many positive attributes, many students write about how it tends to be fairly unsafe if you’re not careful.

One student writes, “Don’t start exploring Cape Town until you really know it and feel comfortable.

Locals can tell if you’re a tourist and feel lost or out of place and they are very quick to try and mug you or take advantage of you. But once you know where you are going, it’s fine a long as you are alert and aren’t doing anything stupid.”

Another student agrees, “Don’t travel alone. Do not! Carry a purse with a zipper, preferably one with a strap that goes across your chest. Don’t leave your

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By | Mike Stone | Mike@Abroad101.com belongings unsupervised even for a moment. I got pick-pocketed and I got my camera stolen while I was in Cape Town. It was due mostly to my own stupidity--didn’t follow the above advice.”

While the safety leaves something to be desired, the cost of living there for Americans is very manageable. One student writes, “The exchange rate allowed us to go out for many meals at very reasonable prices. Typical meals were pretty boring-very Englishsuch as lots of cheese and tomato sandwiches. However, at better restaurants, food was amazing and the seafood was great.” Another student shares similar sentiments, “Groceries are really cheap in South Africa so I really got to experiment a lot with cooking.

Eating out is also really cheap and Cape Town has some of the best fine dining eateries that

are very affordable for American students. They have a lot of Sushi restaurants, Italian restaurants, cafes, steakhouses, bakeries etc.”

While there is a lot to experience outside of the classroom, students also write about their experiences at a South African University. One student comments, “The grading system and teaching methods were different than in the United States, but I felt that I got used to the differences and still had a good overall academic experience.”

Another student shares a similar experience, “Even though the caliber of teaching may have been below what I was used to at

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

View from the Peak of Tabletop Mountain

Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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[ Top Cities to Study Abroad]

Wellesley, the content was much more interesting and I felt more connected to the things I was learning.” An observation that one student makes is “American students learn how to write in high school, but South Africans don’t really learn that until they get to university so the classes were really easy and I think that the Americans tended to get better grades than the local students.”

Students also offer their advice on other things you should know when planning to go to Cape Town.

“Future travelers should make sure they have at least two towels (bring one and buy another one there) because you go to the beach all the time. I was also glad I had brought a lot of American toiletries because there are different brands there. It’s

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not worth it to get malaria pills in the states because they are super cheap in SA and you don’t need a prescription.” Another student adds, “Traveling is not cheap and there is a lot of traveling to do. It would be advantageous to save a good bit of money towards traveling and adventuring.”

Top Programs Interstudy University of Cape Town One student discusses how supportive Interstudy was when she really needed it. “Interstudy seriously has the best staff ever.

The Resident Director is like a mother to us all. I had appendicitis while abroad and ended up having to get surgery. The Resident Director really looked after me

and also arranged transportation to and from the airport for my mother who was coming to see me. Any time there was a problem, we would let the Interstudy staff know and it would get fixed almost immediately. They are really nice, friendly, efficient, and good at what they do.” She also adds, “My program made all of us arrive earlier than all the other study abroad program students.

We had our own UCT orientation which was nice because it was just the 60 of us and we were able to ask a lot of questions in a more intimate setting. We got all the information we needed in a day, while the other students got their information spread out over a couple of days. While the other students were sitting in auditoriums, we spent time

[ Top Cities to Study Abroad ]

exploring the city.” She writes that Interstudy also, “sent us a lot of emails, packages, and called us several times to make sure we felt prepared. I think all the materials they sent us were really useful.”

She concludes her review by saying, “Really, any type of student would benefit from this program, and I would HIGHLY, STRONGLY recommend going to UCT through Interstudy.”

CIEE - Multiple Universities While many students discussed safety concerns in Cape Town, CIEE does many things to ensure the safety of their students. “CIEE made sure its students were as safe as they could be with security guards and fences.” Other students also really liked the housing options. “I lived in a house with 19

other students, 17 American and 2 students at University of Cape Town (who were from Kenya and Botswana). I had my own room and shared a bathroom with one other person. There was plenty of personal and communal space, as well as a yard and porch to spend time outside. It was perfect!”

Additionally, “CIEE provided a bunch of cultural excursions to help us better understand the region and it’s issues.”

Interested in other parts of South Africa? Check out these programs!

Kruger National Park: Duke University/Organization for Tropical Field Studies Stellenbosch: AIFS - Stellenbosch University

Next Steps

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B rowse through our school pages for study abroad programs Read reviews and ask questions! equest information directly R from the schools of interest ead more about studying R abroad at Abroad101.com

Study Abroad Guide | StudentAdvisor.com

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