Learned so much about myself and the rest of the world Past Review
By Claire B (Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 12/07/2016 with
SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania - Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology
I learned about trade-offs between conservation efforts and human rights. I learned about privilege and about power dynamics between groups of people. I learned about local culture. I learned about struggles for dominance between groups of people and between people and animals. I learned how to be independent. I learned how to perform research. It was fantastic. Everyone should go.
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. |
I wish the program integrated more recent resources for our ecology readings. However, the resources provided and the discussions were meaningful and very thought-provoking. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Oscar Paschall deserves a raise! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our homestay families were wonderfully selected. Those relationships will stay with us forever! Camping was also an excellent experience, although not the most comfortable at times. It is easy to get used to, though. |
| * Food: |
Klub Afriko camp staff were the best thing that's ever happened to my taste buds! They also catered to the needs of our half-vegetarian student group. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our language course and Swahili teachers helped so much with this. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Our Program Director gave me lots of specific advice on where to seek healthcare in Arusha. The camp crew provided us with medicine to treat bug bites. Reimbursement was available for any medical costs upon request and with copies of receipts. |
| * Safety: |
Women, please take into consideration how gender will influence your daily experiences! |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 0 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Tanzania is extremely cheap. You will spend less there than at home, no questions asked. |
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 |
It was helpful that our language course occurred at the same time as our homestays. We were using the language in our daily lives. |
| 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? | N/A in Swahili |
| 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? | Talk to your homestay families. Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Just keep trying - it's the best way to learn. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? |
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? | Talk to SIT Tanzannia alumni about what to pack- don't trust the packing list! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
