Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Cultural/Ecological Experience Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Trinity University) - abroad from 01/23/2013 to 05/18/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania - Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Too much to list. Language, culture, biology. Absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very educational, thought provoking, but not unrealistic giving the program schedule and living arrangements.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Awesome, really helpful office and staff.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Homestay felt very safe and welcoming. Camping was intense but fun. Provided lots of information to help find independent housing during the semester.

* Food:

Provided special dietary needs meals, even on camping trips.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Could not have been better.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Went to great lengths to have healthcare accessible at all times, but sometimes it was a few hours away.

* Safety:

As safe as could be given the program structure, but you need to be responsible for yourself.

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)

SIT provided funds for any costs that were not already covered by the program. Your tuition pays for any and all living expenses that are necessary, and shopping is cheap in Tanzania for gifts and extra groceries.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $5
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When SIT provides your stipend for independent study and other trips, budget it immediately and you'll have plenty of money for food, drinks, housing, gifts, etc.

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

The local teachers are very, very good and I was conversational in Swahili by the time I left.

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
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? You'll learn the language when you get there, even if you struggle with learning languages, because the instructors are very good and the immersion helps you learn it quickly. Buy a basic vocab book if you want to prepare.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Camping trips in national parks.
  • Homestays
  • Independent study
* What could be improved?
  • Trip to Usambaras
  • Longer time at Lake Natron
  • More language instruction earlier in the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To pack your own toilet paper.

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 Adventurer
The 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.