Living the Island Life! Past Review
By Olivia O (Westminster College, PA) - abroad from 07/05/2014 to 11/15/2014 with
ISA Study Abroad in Suva, Fiji
It was 100% worthwhile. I learned how to be a lot more outgoing and look at new experiences with an open mind. The people who I have met will forever be a part of who I am.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The University of the South Pacific was great, but they were a little unorganized. Everything is on Island time, so when it came down to deadlines it got a little frustrating. However, the staff was incredibly friendly and always willing to put out a helping hand. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved the Waqavuka Flats, however, I wish I had the opportunity to stay in the dorms with the other international students and locals just for the social aspect of it. |
| * Food: |
The food was amazing, especially all the fresh fruits and vegetables that were always available, but there is a lot of curry. Lovo cooking has become one of my favorites! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt like I was a part of the culture. I was living in Fiji and I truly felt like I belonged there. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
There weren't very many times that I ever felt unsafe while I was abroad, however, I do advise traveling in groups until you reach your own comfort level, it can be scary in an unfamiliar place if you don't feel comfortable with your surroundings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
Finances
|
* 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) |
|
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Go to the farmers markets. You will get so much fresh and tasty food for so little money. Its truly a great bargain and the food is good for you! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring some warmer clothes during their winter. Even though you are on a tropical island the nights do get cool. Also stock up on bug spray, the mosquitoes can be nasty and they don't have reasonably priced bug spray anywhere! |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
