Welcome to the real world Past Review
By David P (Political Science and Government, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/07/2015 to 12/20/2015 with
SIT Study Abroad: Belgrade, Budapest, and Vienna - Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had the opportunity to work with some NGOs and governmental organisms, which I could never have had back here.
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
While the academics were not as challenging as I had hoped, the SIT Balkans staff really outdid themselves in providing opportunities to network with local NGOs, politicians, etc. |
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? | Approximately $50 |
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? | N/A |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Find a job, volunteer somewhere, meet local friends and don't be afraid to try. It may feel embarrassing but no one cares. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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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? | I wish I knew that the Independent Study Project is not so independent, and that one is required to do qualitative research based on random interviews as opposed to any form of quantitative research. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Research Methods and Ethics |
| Course Department: | Political Science |
| Instructor: | Dr. Orli Fridman and Mirjana Kosic |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Peace and Conflict Studies in the Balkans |
| Course Department: | Political Science |
| Instructor: | Orli Fridman |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Serbian I |
| Course Department: | Serbian Language |
| Instructor: | Milica |
| Instruction Language: | Serbian |
| Comments: | Targets students who want to learn the basics, but apart from that, it will be on you to learn extra. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Independent Study Project |
| Course Department: | Interdepartmental |
| Instructor: | Dr. Orli Fridman |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | There was very little 'independence' in the independent study project. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
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