Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SIT does Madagascar right. Antananarivo - National Identity and Social Change Past Review

By (Peace And Justice Studies, Wellesley College) for

SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I'm so glad that I studied abroad when I did, where I did.

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.

Workload was easy to allow greater integration and understanding of the culture. Workload complimented the experience excellently.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Outstanding Academic Director, marvelous local staff, great space and organization.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host Family for first part of program, choice of accomidation (I chose a hotel) for month of Independent Study.

* Food:

I'm vegetarian, and was able to eat adequately for health during the program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

So many cool experiences, it would take too long to list them all. Vatomandry, Morondava, and the famadihana were probably the best.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

A few minor safety incidents, but we were well prepared. I spent four days in the hospital, which was no fun, but my program provided me with tons of support.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? The program covers all necessary expenses, but I splurged at about $40 of discretionary spending each week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? None. Studying abroad was cheaper for me than studying at Wellesley.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? French - 206, Malagasy - N/A
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Excellent program for both French and Malagasy acquisition. The languages were integral for daily living. Lots of support in language learning.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The Staff
  • The Location
  • The Activities
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take two Pepto Bismol at every meal for the first two weeks. I had the fewest intestinal problems of anyone on the trip.