Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable, socially-aware adventure around the world. Past Review

By (Peace and Justice Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/23/2015 to 12/12/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Human Rights: Foundations, Challenges and Advocacy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was certainly worthwhile. I learned so much about the three different countries we traveled to and made lifelong friends with the other students on my trip.

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.

While the amount of work assigned did not compare to a typical Wellesley workload, the topics we wrestled with were similar to topics I would learn about at Wellesley. Because we would have full days (9-5) then have to go home to our host families, it was harder to dedicate the two/three hours to do reading (something that is not an issue at Wellesley).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Every country I went to had amazing host country program coordinators. I cannot imagine going to those countries without meeting those people and being with them almost every day. I particularly loved the country team in Nepal!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in home stay families in each country, but stayed in hostels/hotels when necessary. Every place we stayed was perfect! All of my home stay families were unbelievably kind and generous. They made my experience in each country much richer. Not everyone, however, had as wonderful home stay experiences as I did. Everyone had different families and some clicked and some different.

* Food:

Had delicious food everywhere! Each country has its own cuisine. I loved all of the food I ate, whether it was a meal made by my host mother or a meal we ordered at the local restaurant.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It's hard to feel completely integrated with the local culture by the end of a month. I was just getting used to a place before we had to go to the next place. But I do think I did get a real understanding of what is was like to live in Nepal, Jordan, and Chile.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was very easily accessible. When I got sick in Nepal, I was not at all worried that I was not receiving the right care. It was harder, however, to figure out how to fill out insurance claims. There was no one to really walk us through that process.

* Safety:

I felt completely safe in Nepal and Chile. In Jordan, it was a little bit harder to feel completely safe in the beginning, especially as a young Asian woman. You will get cat-called and stared at. But by the end of the month there, I felt at home.

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

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)

Very easily. In Nepal it was especially easy. In Jordan and Chile it was a little bit harder, but that's just because things are just a little bit more expensive there.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10 The program provided us with stipends that covered everything pretty well. The extra money was just for fun foods, like ice cream.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy a lot of things in Nepal. Items there are much cheaper everywhere else. Chile is the most expensive country.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Our Traveling Professor
  • The Students
  • The Country Coordinators
* What could be improved?
  • Pacing
  • Smaller Classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Read the readings, do the homework, but don't forget to explore the places you are.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!