What is Cape Town like?

[Anonymous]

My daughter is considering studying abroad there for a semester starting in July at University of Cape Town. I am nervous about it! Is it safe for a college girl from the US?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is considering studying abroad there for a semester starting in July at University of Cape Town. I am nervous about it! Is it safe for a college girl from the US?

It’s awesome!

[Anonymous]

No

[Anonymous]

Fantastic place! Go without hesitation

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No

Say more

[Anonymous]

There should be a rule against useless postings like all the preceding responses. Totally uninformative, no detail, no credibility whatsoever, whether positive or negative in their lack of actual information.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter is considering studying abroad there for a semester starting in July at University of Cape Town. I am nervous about it! Is it safe for a college girl from the US?

I studied abroad there. Sounds like the same program. It's very safe around the University. I left in July and it was pretty cool there during that time. Let me know if you have more specific questions.

[Anonymous]

Capetown is very beautiful (its setting). You can take a short boat road and visit Robbin Island, which is so interesting historically. There are also penguins there, which I had not expected.

BUT, South Africa is a very dangerous country, unfortunately. For example, at night the cab drivers told us they do not stop at traffic lights (even if they are red) because it is too dangerous (i.e., for armed robbery). Many businesses post signs that they guards carry guns. It also has the highest rates of sexual violence in the world. I would be nervous about sending my young adult child there.

If she does go, make sure that she abides by the guidance of the school. When I was there for a conference, the organizers kept us on extremely tight leashes (for our safety). Like when we walked ten feet from the bus to the beach (for a reception), we were flanked on either side by security. Of course, many people go there and are fine...but this was my experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Capetown is very beautiful (its setting). You can take a short boat road and visit Robbin Island, which is so interesting historically. There are also penguins there, which I had not expected.

BUT, South Africa is a very dangerous country, unfortunately. For example, at night the cab drivers told us they do not stop at traffic lights (even if they are red) because it is too dangerous (i.e., for armed robbery). Many businesses post signs that they guards carry guns. It also has the highest rates of sexual violence in the world. I would be nervous about sending my young adult child there.

If she does go, make sure that she abides by the guidance of the school. When I was there for a conference, the organizers kept us on extremely tight leashes (for our safety). Like when we walked ten feet from the bus to the beach (for a reception), we were flanked on either side by security. Of course, many people go there and are fine...but this was my experience.

Well when I studied abroad there and almost every activity we did in groups. It's really not that scary especially if you're apart of a program. Also, want to add it was always very funny and cool to see the Chimps on campus! When I went there were about 700 study abroad students from the USA and so much of what we did revolved around the school.

[Anonymous]

It would depend if you had a 19 year old who would "get" that they are not in Kansas anymore.

Some are oblivious.

[Anonymous]

Or blinded by idealism.

[Anonymous]

Google Amy Biehl (though that was 20 years ago, still, it is a sobering, tragic tale).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Capetown is very beautiful (its setting). You can take a short boat road and visit Robbin Island, which is so interesting historically. There are also penguins there, which I had not expected.

BUT, South Africa is a very dangerous country, unfortunately. For example, at night the cab drivers told us they do not stop at traffic lights (even if they are red) because it is too dangerous (i.e., for armed robbery). Many businesses post signs that they guards carry guns. It also has the highest rates of sexual violence in the world. I would be nervous about sending my young adult child there.

If she does go, make sure that she abides by the guidance of the school. When I was there for a conference, the organizers kept us on extremely tight leashes (for our safety). Like when we walked ten feet from the bus to the beach (for a reception), we were flanked on either side by security. Of course, many people go there and are fine...but this was my experience.

I have spent a lot of time in SA, including many situations that would scare away most DCUMs. +1 to the above. Go, but with eyes open. Follow guidance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It would depend if you had a 19 year old who would "get" that they are not in Kansas anymore.

Some are oblivious.

Yeah I was 19 when I went for study abroad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Capetown is very beautiful (its setting). You can take a short boat road and visit Robbin Island, which is so interesting historically. There are also penguins there, which I had not expected.

BUT, South Africa is a very dangerous country, unfortunately. For example, at night the cab drivers told us they do not stop at traffic lights (even if they are red) because it is too dangerous (i.e., for armed robbery). Many businesses post signs that they guards carry guns. It also has the highest rates of sexual violence in the world. I would be nervous about sending my young adult child there.

If she does go, make sure that she abides by the guidance of the school. When I was there for a conference, the organizers kept us on extremely tight leashes (for our safety). Like when we walked ten feet from the bus to the beach (for a reception), we were flanked on either side by security. Of course, many people go there and are fine...but this was my experience.

I was coming here to say this. Especially dangerous for young women.