Best Experience Ever February 10, 2025
By Catherine R (Biology, University of Redlands) - abroad from 08/28/2024 to 12/10/2024 with
SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania - Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology
I gained so much experience and cultural knowledge through this program.
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. |
The academics ranges in difficulty throughout the experience |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
AMAZING |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Some were more comfortable than others |
| * Food: |
Good vegetarian options |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Stayed with a host family |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Very few times I felt unsafe |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It taught me so much about myself and the world |
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) |
Never had to spend my own money unless I wanted to |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
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 |
Used Swahili very often during my time there |
| 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? | High School Spanish |
| 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? | If you want to bring a small book for phrases or learn the basics before coming it wouldn't hurt, but you will still learn a lot walking in with zero knowledge |
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?
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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? | You can pack more than you think, bring little comfort items, and be prepared to be uncomfortable. It is all worth it and will be life-changing!! |
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. |
