I Loved IHP- Cities Past Review
By Meghan F (Peace And Justice Studies, Wellesley College) for
SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics (Fall 2)
It was so worth it! It is really hard to put exactly into words what I gained. IHP has a philosophy of 360 degree learning- meaning that every moment and experience contributes to your new knowledge of a place. This idea- of understanding how to learn from everything around you, and to think critically about your surroundings, is one of the most valuable tools I gained. But in general, the exposure to so many different cultures in 3 different countries has been so valuable. I feel like I have a far more developed and aware conception of the world.
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 |
I was very happy with the support provided to me and found most of my faculty members and country coordinators extremely intelligent and helpful. Generally, my expectations were met. There was only one faculty member and one country coordinator who were not on par with the support I receive at my home institution. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My home stay arrangements were always great experiences. The program arranges all housing, aside from the one week vacation. Homestays are generally really close to class, clean, safe, and close to lots of activity. My host family treated me as their own. The did bring a sleeping sack, but did not always use it. There were times during the program when we stay in hostels or hotels during transit in which you live only with group members. |
| * Food: |
I am normally a vegetarian, but decided to eat meat during my trip. Other than that, the food was amazing. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
Some cities were safe than others, but there are orientations in every city discussing strategies for health and safety. I did not have to access healthcare at all while I was abroad. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent about at least 20 US dollars a week. Some students spent much more than me, and I suppose it is possible to spend less. I would suggest that you will definitely need more money than the program suggests- between weekend excursions, vacations, souvenir shopping, and lunch budget. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I think I was informed of all expenses- but thought I would be better at budgeting than I was. Budget more money for the week's vacation than you think is necessary, because you have to provide housing and food for yourself. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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 do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Use the alumni list provided- IHP alums and friendly and honest. Don't be afraid to send an email or make a phone call- and get multiple perspectives. I'd say an open minded student with a passion for understanding different cultures and a desire to understand the world from a new perspective would benefit most from this program. |
