Unforgettable Past Review

By (University of Vermont) - abroad from 01/24/2019 to 05/10/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Worthwhile - got to see five different islands in total. Learned a lot about the world. Very englightening

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.

Academics were interesting but many times staff showed up late or in one instance the professor didn't show up at all. I was really frustrated by how relaxed people always seemed to be - including professors who I'd sometimes try to reach out to or staff. I can only recall of 2 professors who I thought were exceptional. The language instructor was absolutely amazing though and honestly deserves some kind of award. You get a Mi-Fi (small portable WiFi device) will limited data so be mindful of how much internet you use or you're going to pay a lot just to do homework. I always had to camp out at the Sheraton Hotel to do homework because the MiFi could't some data processing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Staff was very supportive and understanding - I loved the program directors truly out of the bottom of my heart and I felt like they viewed me as family as opposed to just a student. Near the end I think frustrations boiled up a bit both amongst students and with the staff (just a bit) but the same overall feelings of love and support remained. At times I felt misunderstood and like the staff (near the end) no longer empathized with my emotions and that they were agitated with me for no reason. I was never allowed to feel sad or upset near the end of the program and whenever I expressed that I felt bad the program director would get angry at me. I felt forced to always be happy.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice and pretty comfortable - village stay real eye opener. Be aware no AC since it's a developing island and if you think you really can not handle the extreme heat and humidity please do not go on this program.

* Food:

Actual Samoan cuisine very good but fresh fruits and vegetables can be hard to encounter unless you got to the market yourself. It's hard to eat healthy when you're on the island and meat is scarce on the island. Turkey tails are a common delicacy on the island but I don't recommend eating them - just the fatty part of the turkey that is deemed uneatable in other countries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Oh yeah I got what I asked for all right. Amazing experience but at times overwhelmed with it all.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care is really not the best and if you have health problems do not go on this problem. Somebody in our program was allergic to peanuts and her host family FED HER PEANUTS.......this girl literally was on the verge of death but the program handled it appropriately at least and moved her into a much more caring and loving family that took care of her. One hospital available and you can get the care you need if dire and program director will definitely take care of you herself too - she is very loving and kind. Extreme heat and humidity - DO NOT GO ON THIS PROGRAM IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO THIS TIME OF CLIMATE. PLEASE LISTEN TO ME. Later in program it got better but especially during first half in wet season I'd find myself heaving over the toilet and vomiting because of how hot it was. Clean water hard to find and during fale resort excursion there really was NOT enough water for us and many people become sick from dehydration. Be mindful that measles incident just occurred.

* Safety:

Women are treated different from men and there is more sexim in this country than America. You may be catcalled everyday and will feel very uncomfortable when men come up and approach you. At one point three men literally huddled around me at the bus stop and a young boy touched himself on the bus while starring dead into my eyes. There were many other incidents.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

It's a lot to handle but overall I guess it was a pretty good experience. When it wasn't amazing and breath-taking all I wanted was to come home.

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? Enough
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save what you can but don't be afraid to splurge a bit - have fun..you're abroad! Save enough money to buy water because it's expensive

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
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 in everyday life

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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?
  • People
  • Culture
  • Sceneary
* What could be improved?
  • SAFETY
  • Enough water to drink
  • Orientation about staying safe
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't talk to certain locals and always bring money to buy water or you're pretty doomed

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!