Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience that taught me a lot about myself! - SIT Study Abroad: New African Diasporas: Transnational Communities, Cultures, and Economies Past Review

By (Xavier University of Louisiana) - abroad from 01/23/2018 to 04/23/2018 with

SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned about my history as an African American and I learned about different cultures. This program was worthwhile because I made lifelong friends in the program and in each country.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would rate the academic rigor of the program at a 5. There were a few readings that were assigned but they were never really discussed in class to intensify the reading or lesson behind it. Resources were plenty but the country coordinator would almost never guide us or introduce us to helpful resources.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration of host-country was extremely unorganized, unprofessional, and incompetent on many levels. However, the country coordinator in Europe was extremely organized.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied. My homestay was nice and clean.

* Food:

Food was good

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

very intergrated

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Pretty safe but always keep someone with you at night! Especially if you're dressed up for a night of partying. Men will harass you at night.

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

The group I was with made the trip amazing. If I did not have them, I would've been booked a flight back to America.

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)

budgeting is imperative. Money goes so fast abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? fifty dollars max
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Give yourself a limit of how much money you want to spend and don't go over. Get gifts at the end of the program with the remainder money you have left.

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? None
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? three years of french in high school
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? talk with your homestay family in the language, try ordering food in the language, try naming stuff in the language when you're walking or driving somewhere.

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?
  • the people
  • the other students in the program
  • learning different cultures
* What could be improved?
  • organization skills
  • low level of professionalism
  • time management
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That this program was full of constant disappointment.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.