Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learn about the culture of island life and have the experience of a lifetime Past Review

By (International Political Economy/Anthropology, Fordham University) - abroad from 01/31/2013 to 05/17/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Samoa - Social and Environmental Change in Oceania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have learned about life lessons that you hear about in the classroom but experience firsthand and keep with you for life, including the love between family and the villages, how to appreciate what you have, how to give unconditionally, and so much more. It was completely worthwhile because some people can be tucked nicely away in their own bubble for their entire lives, but an experience like this makes you realize that everyday the actions you do can affect people's lives half way around the world.

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.

At times, lack of resources made some easier assignments more difficult, which meant that I needed to learn a different type of time management and creativity for my assignments due to my different surroundings.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Going to an island right after it was affected by a cyclone meant that some everyday luxuries like cheap fruit at home, was not available on the island. This experience allowed me to see and be a part of an environment where everyone is affected and on the same level when it comes to the access or lack of certain foods.

* 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? $25-$50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be sensible when it comes to spending money on excess food which is temporary, because you will want to spend more money on gifts that keep with you for a long time.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Exit Level Latin
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? Use it whenever you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met
  • The places I saw
  • The little life lessons that you pick up from another culture
* What could be improved?
  • Time management of the program, there were many times that the program ws rushed and caused us to miss out on other opportuinities like having the chance to stop and ask about a plant.
  • More interegrated language lessons in the village not just in the classroom.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack half as many clothes.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'