Becoming Cochabambina Past Review
By Emily P (International Relations And Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 05/14/2012 with
SIT Study Abroad: Bolivia - Multiculturalism, Globalization, and Social Change
So much personal growth occurs while abroad and removed from the friends and family you are used to. Explore as much as possible, talk to as many people as you can, be in the moment. AYNI.
Review Photos
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Home stay families; mine was excellent, and in the event that people wanted to switch their home stay the academic directors would act very quickly to match them up with a new family and move them ASAP. |
| * Food: |
Great, very different food. Very do-able to keep a vegetarian diet. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Homeopathic medicine or a trip to a neighborhood pharmacy usually does the trick for basic things, but the program does have an affiliated, safe doctor who they introduce you to and give you contact info in case anything more serious happens. |
| * Safety: |
Be aware of pick-pocketing in very large crowds (Carnaval), and street scams, but the program will go over that in orientation. As long as you are aware of your surroundings and don't get conned on the street or carry/wear lots of flashy and obviously expensive things, you will be fine. |
| 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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| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * 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? | $20 or less |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy gifts in La Cancha, and eat at home. Buy really, food and gifts are generally |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Talk to your host families, and talk to your friends in Spanish especially as you get more comfortable with the language. |
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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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? | Bolivia seems like a crazy, strange, obscure place but it is truly a unique and beautiful country full of friendly, open, and happy people! The ISP also seems so daunting, but everything falls into place and you will end up having an awesomely cool time no matter where you go or what you study. |
