It was the most transformative and amazing experience of my life. Past Review
By Lucy S (Sociology., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/31/2014 to 05/15/2014 with
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Multiculturalism and Human Rights
I became more confident, more self and globally aware, empathetic towards others, mature, strong, adventurous, curious about others' lives, and I developed a serious love for traveling and teaching children in less privileged areas.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We had very interesting lecturers come in to talk to us, however it would sometimes get boring because we were never asked to really retain the information for any assessments of any sorts. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They did a really good job of setting up the entire program, but sometimes communication wouldn't be as strong as I would have liked. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All of my host families were incredible and taught me so, so much. |
| * Food: |
I got to try so many different kinds of food, and it really opened my eyes to all that South African cuisine had to offer. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program promoted experiential learning, which was the most influential way of really immersing us into all that is South Africa. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was never really sick, so I didn't have many problems. |
| * Safety: |
I always felt extremely safe, even in the less safe areas. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
We were given a budget for food, so we really only had to pay for our own alcohol and our own living costs in the final month. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $1500 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go too crazy on buying gifts/souvenirs for others. I think that was where I lost the most money. That, and alcohol. |
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 |
In two of my homestays, they spoke Xhosa, so I was able to practice with them. |
| 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? | Studied french for seven years, but nothing with Xhosa. |
| 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? | Practice with the natives - they're the most helpful and they want to help! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | I should have packed lighter because we move around A LOT. No rolling suitcases. A backpacking backpack and a duffle would be ideal. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
