Do this program to change your mindset! Past Review
By Ray C (Environmental Studies., Yale University) - abroad from 01/19/2014 to 05/09/2014 with
SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Cities in the 21st Century: People, Planning and Politics
The most valuable thing I gained from my experience abroad was a tangible shift in my worldview and, more importantly, the analytical tools (and friends/mentors) with which to continue to engage in these new perceptions back home.
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. |
The lectures and on the ground learning were a refreshing diversion from the kind of material one might receive back at university. We were also constantly challenged to question and understand the positions of the authors and guest lecturers we experienced, to be able to understand everything in context. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I had a theft incident in one of the countries, but my country coordinators worked hard to help me out right away |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a theft incident in one of the countries, but my country coordinators worked hard to help me out right away |
| * Food: |
Amazing! I also came in as a vegetarian, and each of my host families were able to accomodate that need |
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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? |
I somehow contracted Typhoid in India, which manifested in Senegal. But healthcare was immediate and mostly covered by the program. I am currently working right now with insurance for the rest of the costs, and so far it is going smoothly. |
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| 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? | <$50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | account for gifts if you planning on getting them, keep your money in a safe place |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced level Spanish courses at Yale |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | Be careful with your things, maintain a constant dialogue with the professors! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
