Difficult but Rewarding. Past Review
By elise.cope8 (Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/08/2012 to 08/08/2012 with
Brigham Young University: Traveling - Tonga Nursing Study Abroad
I learned so much about people and how they interact with each other. I also learned a lot about myself and how I think and how I act in certain situations. It was most definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was no on-site administration. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were in a cramped space with no running water. The kitchen was also filthy and therefore difficult to cook in. |
| * Food: |
Sometimes I really enjoyed the food. Other times it made me a little sick and I went a little hungry. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because of my skin color, it was hard to feel very integrated because nearly everyone would stare, but eventually I was comfortable with my place in a new society. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $75 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We were encouraged to find translators. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginning Tongan, very minimal |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Learn as much as you can in the prep course. Study in the country with host parents and make sure you speak as much you can. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew that going to a third world country is a huge shock. I wish I knew that I would have to be very very confident and outgoing in order to meet people. |
