Around the World in 120 Days Past Review
By Lexi D (International Studies and Arabic Studies, University of Richmond) - abroad from 08/18/2012 to 12/07/2012 with
SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics (Fall 1)
In this type of program, you learn so much not only about the countries, cities, people and their challenges, but also about yourself. I learned that I am capable of so much more than I could have ever estimated had I stayed in the US. It would be impossible to enumerate the skills and information which I learned with IHP, a few important broad topics I learned about are my knowledge of cities, slums, local governments, sustainability, city planning, transportation, informal settlement up-grading, interviewing and research techniques, social movements and de facto segregation.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This was a very rigorous program academically, when you're traveling abroad every experience is an opportunity to learn something new and IHP capitalizes on those opportunities and lets you make the most of your semester. |
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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-stays were the most rewarding, and often the most challenging portion of the semester abroad. |
| * Food: |
There was always something new to try, and also some familiar foods for those moments when you need a little taste of home. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I don't think we could have completely integrated with any community we stayed in, whether we spent two weeks or six months there. But to the extent that was possible, we were very integrated. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Some of the places you visit are traditionally unsafe, but IHP and our host families did everything in their power to keep us as safe as was possible, and the rest was up to us be alert and aware. |
| 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) |
You really decide your own budget on this trip, yes there are certain food and travel expenses, but you can do as much or as little as you'd like and still get a lot out of the trip. |
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? |
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? | You never need as much as you think you do. Things, clothes, products, devices, you don't really need that much, if you invest in the moment, and be present where ever you are, you will get the most out of every opportunity. |
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. |
