Amazing and incredible learning experience and new opportunities! Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 12/11/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania - Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worth while. I gained amazing new friends, an appreciation and understanding of Tanzanian culture, Swahili skills, and an amazing independent study project that I will most likely turn into a thesis.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

i learned a lot, but it did not come from a traditional academic setting. there was little academic rigor, but that does not mean i didnt learn a great amount about the culture and host country

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

arusha can be dangerous, but you will be fine as long as you are smart.

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)

everything is so cheap!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? practically nothing, if you didnt want to you could spend zero personal money
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? eat at local 'restaurants'!

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

you get as much out of the language study as you put in. if you try, you can use it a lot. it is also possible to use english most of the time.

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? a one month course two years before leaving
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? just practice all the time with locals! make an effort with your host family and at restaurants

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* 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?
  • the travel
* What could be improved?
  • nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? nothing - surprises are good!