Malawi: Osandandaula (No Worries) Past Review
By Molly K (Health Policy Studies, Ithaca College) for
Ithaca College: Field - Healthcare & Culture in Malawi
Living in Malawi was a life changing experience. The extreme poverty of the people living there was heartbreaking. However, at the same time people were happier than anyone living in the United States. They were appreciative of everything they had and were so accepting and loving. Malawians have the warmest hearts.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It wasn't really associated with a host university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Did not have a host country program administration. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Great. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Safari, meetings with villagers, working in gardens, attending Parliament, working in mobile medical clinics, visiting crisis nurseries, visiting schools. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Ithaca held a travel clinic for students going to receive necessary vaccinations and health information. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 - just on souvenirs. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Money for safaris. Bringing unwanted clothing articles, etc. is usually accepted when purchasing things from villagers because money isn't always all that they want. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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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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? | Be prepared to see things that you could never have imagined before, especially poverty. |
