Reawakening my knowledge and placing it on a new topic. Past Review

By (Anthropology and Queer Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/30/2017 to 05/12/2017 with

SIT Study Abroad: Netherlands - International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned mainly more about myself and what I care most about. It made me want to be more active in my work and the social justice work I want to do.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The information gained from this program was very insightful and always rigorous, but there were parts that I felt could have been dived into more (such as the intersection of race with sexuality and gender).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall I found the administration to always be helpful and when there were problems they've tried to find a solution.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall, my homestay was amazing and I enjoyed my stay. They were always helpful and caring.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Overall, I was lucky and found that the health care was very helpful at times. In comparison to the US, there are parts that can be improved, but most of that was administrative.

* Safety:

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

While there were problems, overall I enjoyed the topics and made many amazing friends.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20+ euros

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends and study with them. Take one notebook and make that only for the language, and if you have any learning disabilities or anything just tell the teacher on the first day and make a plan right away.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Administration
  • Friends I made/Host family
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Certain classes/topics
  • Intersectionality
  • Group dynamics (understanding privilege)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Packing, there were things I just didn't need but I bought. Having a minimum record of my medical history in different languages in case of emergencies (I got extremely sick).

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!