overall one of the most influential experiences of my life June 29, 2022
By A student (Africana Studies and Education, Dickinson College) - abroad from 01/31/2022 to 05/16/2022 with
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation
For the first time, I was able to experience and understand the importance of positionality to a higher level prior to this program. I was able to work with an organization that taught me so much about the world which is an experience I could not have gotten to the same extent without this program.
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. |
We got amazing academic opportunities during this program and got the chance to meet various influential people from South Africa's history, present, and future. Generally, I would have liked to speak with a more diverse group of people in terms of occupation. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
We had very strong contact with most of our administration during the program. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We experienced multiple different living environments in South Africa including homestays and apartment-style living. |
| * Food: |
I really enjoyed trying new Zulu foods and snacks and would have liked more opportunities to try foods rather than eating out. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt integrated into the local culture, for the most part, there was definitely a level of separation but I think the program did a good job at trying to limit that separation as much as possible. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't personally deal with the healthcare system but I accompanied other students in the program who had to deal with it. The SIT program was very helpful as a liaison between students and the local healthcare system but there were some communication problems between the students and the local healthcare system. |
| * Safety: |
I had a generally safe experience in South Africa, I think the program does a sufficient job in guiding us through the proper safety measures for the country. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Although I had some problems with the program, overall it was a life-changing experience that will affect me for the rest of my life. |
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) |
It was definitely more expensive than I thought it would be because you are asked to pay for laundry and phone data which I wasn't specifically aware of before the start of the program. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ∼$40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | When possible pack lunch from home. |
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? | none |
| 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 people you see every day: neighbors, family, strangers, store clerks. Generally, people are very friendly and want to help you with your language progress. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I made more efforts to bond with my host families because we were only with them for a small amount of time each. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
