Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Rwanda: an amazing abroad experience with SIT! Past Review

By (International Politics, Georgetown University) - abroad from 08/26/2019 to 12/08/2019 with

SIT Study Abroad: Rwanda - Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going to Rwanda was one of the best choices I've ever made. Looking back, I learned so much about Rwanda's history and the way that it informs modern society. I also had a very positive experience with my host family which gave me insight into Rwandan culture that I could not have gained elsewhere. It was truly a unique experience that will impact many of my future decisions, I'm so glad I went to Rwanda.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? 10-15 USD
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying food and produce at markets is much cheaper than the grocery stores!

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? I did not know any Kinyarwanda before arriving in Rwanda
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? Definitely be willing to take risks and practice in public! Rwandans are very friendly and will always help.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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 amazing program staff
  • The opportunity to learn about Rwanda's history from a variety of perspectives
  • the homestay experience
* What could be improved?
  • More excursions within Rwanda would have been interesting
  • More complex language training would have been helpful
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That things often aren't going to work out the way you expect, but that's part of the experience and part of being in culture different from your own.

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!