Discovered so many different parts of myself in Cameroon! July 18, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There were extensive resources for students and I really appreciated how we had the opportunity to connect each outside lecturer. Additionally, our lessons/modules corresponded to the excursions we took, which allowed for hands-on and experiential learning.

On-site administration of your program

The staff for this program was absolutely amazing as they were well-attuned to the needs of individual students and exceeding welcoming. They made me feel as if I was one of their own children and were the best support system one could possibly had so far from home.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In all honesty, my living arrangements were not optimal but this could be due to my own preconceived notions. Naturally, as a college student, I expected some degree of autonomy and freedom. But, also naturally, countries within study abroad programs are drastically different in terms of curfews. The curfew for this program was relatively early and was enforced differently among homestay families. Therefore, on some days, it could be difficult to spend time with other students after classes.

Food was amazing! In my homestay, there were copious amounts of fish and other meat-based dishes. It may be difficult, though, if you are vegan/vegetarian to maintain your usual diet.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt incredibly integrated with the local culture, especially because of the two excursions the program has. The program travels to Batoufam and Kribi, where we meet local people and are given the chance to ask questions and interact with them. Additionally, this particular SIT program has local, Cameroonian students involved in all of our classes where they are our peers. Therefore, we get the chance to know college-aged Cameroonians, who gradually become our closest friends in the program.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

In preparation for the program, I had to get the yellow fever vaccine and malaria medication. Health issues were addressed pretty adequately. I became ill when I was in Batoufam, a relatively rural part of Cameroon and, therefore, my experience was different from a student receiving care in the capital city and homebase for the program, Yaoundé. Even still, my internship advisor greatly aided me in traveling to and receiving medical care from the local hospital. The system of care was drastically different from the system in the United States, but my concerns were addressed adequately.

I felt incredibly safe in this program, whether I was in Yaoundé, Kribi, or Batoufam. This may be risky for others, but I felt safe walking to and from school with headphones in and just vibing. Driving is much more chaotic in Cameroon as compared with the United States and, thus, that is something to be mindful of when walking along the streets and while driving/being driven.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The CFA (currency used in Cameroon) is devalued and, thus, it is immensely easy to live freely and on a budget in Cameroon.

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

We had a French class but outside of that class, it was not necessarily expected of a student to speak French. However, many homestays exclusively used French, including my own, and, thus, that was an area where students were encouraged, if not required, to speak French.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Local Students
• Americans

• The creative freedom of the internship period!
• Meeting local students and having life-long connections with them
• The amazing staff

• Homestays
• Support in French classes

The Outright Urbanite