Three Amazing Months in Namibia Past Review
By Leah P (Environmental Studies--Policy, Colby College) - abroad from 09/20/2013 to 12/13/2013 with
Round River Conservation Studies - Namibia Desert Program
Yes, it was definitely worthwhile! I learned more about myself, personal growth, working with others, etc. than I probably did about anything super pertinent to my major, but I went abroad with the intent of having a growing, out-of-my-comfort-zone experience. That's exactly what I got!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was never too much work, which was especially nice because there were always field work opportunities and other things to be done! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Great basecamp, great leaders. I felt very safe, the leaders and everyone with whom we interacted were very knowledgeable, and most everything I expected amenities-wise was there. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We camped in tents which, to me, was awesome! |
| * Food: |
There's limited options for fresh foods in Namibia, but we always made do with what we did have. There were ways to accommodate vegetarianism, lactose-intolerance, etc. But it was mostly typical camping-ish fare! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were mostly in a desert area, so our main goal was not to interact with people every day, yet we were given the opportunity to attend town meetings and interview local communities about environmental decisions, etc. which was very insightful and interesting. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We had medicines on site in case of flu/upset stomach/diarrhea, etc. The nearest hospital is over an hour away, and one student had to visit there a few times. I never experienced anything needing hospital attention, however. |
| * Safety: |
Although you're in the wild, I felt incredibly safe! The leaders are sure to go over safety issues with everyone on the first day and they lay out standards and regulations for running, getting up at night, etc. that are meant to--and successfully did--keep us safe. |
| 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) |
I didn't need to spend any money in Namibia--except for the occasional postcard--because all expenses of food, lodging, travel, etc. were included in the tuition. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | maybe $2.00 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 0 |
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? | Bring a pair of athletic shorts! The safari shorts get a bit uncomfortably stiff after a few days of sweat and wear... :) |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
