A good experience but the reason I will not return to Tanzania Past Review

By (Berea College) - abroad from 06/04/2019 to 07/06/2019 with

KIIS: Tanzania - Experience Tanzania, Summer Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be culturally aware and accepting. I learned to never get frustrated with foreigners just because they do not speak my language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I felt like safety was not a priority and more could have been done to ensure the safety of the students. Also, KIIS programs are known for being more laid back which is okay but there were not standards set as many of the students were allowed to go out and party and do illegal drugs with no consequences.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were in a horrible part of town and even after a person had their room broken into and their items were stolen, we had to stay at the same hotel. The level of professionalism from the staff was horrible as the hotel owner slept with one of the students on the trip.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If I could give a zero, I would. The city was not safe at all and I believe the trip should not be taken again. A student was raped in the hotel we were in as well as another student had their entire belongings stolen.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

It was too dangerous.

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)

It was not clear of how many meals were going to have to buy so I did not budget well enough.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
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? We took classes through a local

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Serengeti
  • making friends
  • getting medical experience
* What could be improved?
  • SAFETY
  • could adopt more strict rules
  • could be more honest about how much money will be spent on the food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have understood how dangerous it was.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.