It was a strange, surreal and exciting experience with ups and downs Past Review

By (Architecture, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/31/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics (Fall 2)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained new perspectives on life and a greater awareness of my surroundings and how social and political issues are deeply rooted in choices made in the past. I also gained a sense of maturity, independence, and a voice.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

In a general sense, it was okay. The courses were taught at a basic level and there was not much of an ability to have discussions during lectures that would challenge ideas, concepts, and real life situations. I learned a lot from site visits and talking with locals and community leaders. Overall, there needs to be that balance of a rich education in class while combining our personal learning experiences outside the classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host country program admin were incredible! They gave their all into the program and planned meetings with a variety of people who are involved in various infrastructures that make up a city. In addition, they took really good care of us and made the students a main priority, whether it was assistance for academic or personal matters.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Wonderful. Each homestay family was friendly and helpful. Generally, two to three students lived with each host family. They understood the cultural differences and the space that we may need as we're traveling from one place to another. My host families all had years of experience hosting U.S. students. My roommates and host families were good overall.

* Food:

FOOD WAS GOOD. Probably the highlight of the trip.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was pretty good. I befriended locals and students who were studying abroad. Having a cross-cultural identity, it was easy for me to emphasize the multiple cultures that I encountered. Some places were easier for me to blend in -- either because of my physical appearance or cultural similarities -- while other places I had to look beyond what people assumed of me in order that they may see my interest in who they are and how they live. But IHP does a decent job with explaining the customs and social norms of each city which is all done by the country coordinators and their facilitators.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Access to healthcare was available in each country and information was given to all students in the beginning of each country by the country coordinator in case of any emergency. However, there were complaints by some students that the Trustees' Fellow and Traveling Faculty were not as supportive in all situations whether it was guidance to health concerns or academic extensions respectively. One example is that I requested a session with a psychologist and although they were helpful in finding the right person and scheduling the meeting, I received no assistance with filing a reimbursement through the traveling health insurance. It is important to note that these situations were dependent on the choice of faculty staff and fellow which changes over the years. I doubt that anyone will receive the same staff group as my semester.

* Safety:

I felt safe in every city and that was because I was with someone at times where it made sense not to be alone (i.e. late night hours, unfamiliar places, etc.) as well as the cultural integration sessions organized by the country coordinators. But I also realized that how I grew up taught me how to make my way through unsafe environments. For example, our country coordinator told us to not be in a specific neighborhood at night and although a group of us ended up staying in that area longer than usual, I realized that the place felt like home for me, therefore I did consider it "safe". Your perceptions of safety change throughout this program.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would but with a more positive mindset and less engagement with petty matters and people.

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 wasn't too bad because there were many cheap food options available in every city and inexpensive transportation which were both supported by stipends. Other personal expenses were doable. The main concern was preparing for multiple countries that had different spending practices and price ranges (for example, Argentina prices were comparable to the U.S. while Vietnam was very affordable).

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have specific expectations on how you would spend your money (food, drinks, museums, transit, day-trips, etc.) and how many souvenirs you intend to buy and save based these things. Do some research on these endeavors prior to your trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • the experiential learning aspect
  • how our studies encompassed the entire city
  • the students who study multiple disciplines.
* What could be improved?
  • the academic engagement in lectures
  • choice in traveling faculty and fellow
  • conflict resolution, bias, and work harmony sessions for staff and students (either improved or enforced)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Learning how to decide when it is best to have time to myself and time with others so that I may center myself.