Fantastic Study Abroad Adventures in Zanzibar Past Review
By Breeanna E (HISTORY., Harvard University) - abroad from 08/25/2012 to 12/07/2012 with
SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania - Zanzibar Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management
The program was most definitely worthwhile! I would recommend any brave and adventurous soul who is open minded and willing to explore other cultures around the world to attend the program. While it is an academic program and there are significant academic components, the program really immerses you in the cultural and environment of Zanzibar in way you would never be able to do on your own. I wholeheartedly recommend this program.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program is not academically rigorous but it has the potential to be, particularly when it comes to the independent study project. There are regular assignments and papers that must be completed but as the work is not coupled with the traditional college work load of extracurricular activities and jobs it is all very manageable. The program is very much worth what you put into it; if you are extremely interested in a subject all the resources and staff assistance are there for you to take full advantage of the situation. The program thrives on student initiation and self-determination. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The SIT staff is absolutely wonderful and willing to assist in any way possible. If you need something you will receive it immediately. The entire staff is a blessing to know. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The program ranges from home-stays to prolonged stays in guesthouses to university dorm housing to your own independent living arrangements. I really enjoyed all aspects of the housing as it led to a variety of different experiences. |
| * Food: |
Swahili food is any interesting combination of cultural fusions. It has elements of traditional East African dishes, Indian dishes, and Arabic dishes. It includes a variety of rices, tropical fruits, fish, vegetables, especially beans, and a wonderful concoction of spices. It was fantastic! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Integration with the local culture depends on the effort put forth by each individual. It is very much possible to do so but it requires a willingness to put yourself in new situations and practice you swahili all the while keeping in mind cultural customs and being respectful of the situations you are in. Even if minimal effort is made your understanding of the local culture will be expansive as that is one of the highlights of the program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
While I was never ill personally several of my peers fell ill and were treated immediately at several of the local hospitals affiliated with the program. To my knowledge all the experiences were positive and students got better quickly without further complications. |
| * Safety: |
Zanzibar--the majority of the program takes place here--is extremely safe. Even so, it is important for students to be aware of pickpocketers and thieves at all times in general as a travel tip. Being home by nine or ten in the evening is ideal, if not earlier, just in case a situation occurs but during my time there no incidents occurred. It is much safer than a vast majority of places in the States. However, it is important to always have commonsense when it comes to safety while traveling. |
| 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) |
The cost of living in Zanzibar is very low and the program is organized to cover the majority of food and essential living costs for program-related activities. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be aware of the prices of items before you head out to buy them! Ask the SIT staff. As a foreigner you are bound to get slightly higher prices and you want to make sure locals don't treat you as just a tourist. Learn how to tell them you are a student and that you are living there in swahili and they will come to respect you for your effort. |
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 |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had never studied swahili prior to attending the program. |
| 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 with your peers and everyone you meet! Trust me, it will be an extremely useful skill! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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 do not need to bring longsleeves, or maybe just one, it is really hot. Do not overpack. You will be able to buy much more clothing at cheaper prices from local craftspeople that will make them for you. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
