Self Reflection is the Greatest Teacher Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/05/2017 to 05/21/2017 with
SIT Study Abroad: Rwanda - Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding
I actually believe that I became more confident in my beliefs as a result of this program. It also challenged many of my perceptions about what certain things like development, growth, forgiveness, reconciliation, love etc. looked like. Certain aspects were really hard to cope with but it was worthwhile. I recommend.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program gave me the time to sit and reflect on how individuals/institutions can either contribute to the building up or aid in the destruction of the things they love the most. It is also in this space that I understood many things about myself and my potentials to do great things or otherwise. It was also amazing to see how far the country has come in terms of rebuilding and the commitment that citizens have to continue the progress they have made. |
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? | $20-$50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Create an excel spreadsheet to keep track of the money you are spending. |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | The language was not taught in 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? | Go to public places and practice. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | French: As much as it is no longer a national language, my host family was french speaking and so it was really hard to communicate particularly with the kids. |
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.' |
