Past Review
By Jennifer S (Biology, General., Wellesley College) for
SIT Study Abroad: Tanzania - Zanzibar Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management
This program allowed me to better understand how to make the best out of situations. I wasn't satisfied with the academics or accessibility of cultural experiences in the program so I tried my best to relate to the other students and enjoy or field work. I also had the opportunity of going on a safari and diving after the program ended so I got to explore more of Tanzania. Now I will be a little more careful to choose a program with all the components I am looking for and that provides a better explanation of what I am getting myself into.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
We had little to no homework, even during our Kiswahili course (which only lasted 3 weeks). The grades seemed as if the academic director just pulled them out of a hat since she gave very little productive feedback and she gave everyone the three same grades (A-, B+, and B). Our lectures were all over the place since we had a different one every day; most of which were under-qualified. I missed having a well-informed, consistent professional teaching the course. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The office was not made very accessible because our director didn't feel like opening it later so students could utilize the library and free internet access. She was educated in England but has spent the better part of her adult life in and around Tanzania. However, instead of immersing herself in the culture, she tends to use the cheaper prices to her advantage. As a result, the students - 16 students - were not entirely able to understand what it is like to be an average Zanzibari. It seemed as though we were coddled. We were placed in wealthier homes with families that spoke some English, classes were cut because she was afraid we coulnd't handle the heat and when we were not with local families we stayed in guest houses and hotels. It felt like we were permanent tourists. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It varied. We had homestays, guest houses, and hotels. All with access to water in some way, shape or form and sporadic electricity. When I did my ISP and was responsible for my own housing, I stayed in an apartment with electricity and running water. <br /><br /> All or housing was safe and close to our classes (within walking distance). Sheets, mosquito nets, and food was provided at all our accommodations (except during ISP in which I bought and cooked my own food). My homestay family tended to treat me like a guest instead of a family member. This was a little frustrating since I wanted to immerse myself in the culture. |
| * Food: |
The food is fairly basic consisting of fish, breads, and fruit. So it wasn't gourmet but we were never left hungry. We tended to eat at local restaurants or our family or hosts would cook local food for us. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The biggest strength of the program is the traveling and field trips. We were able to see most of the island of Zanzibar and Pemba and compare it to Dar es Salaam on the coast. We also went on a safari which I would highly recommend for anyone in that area of the world. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I always felt very safe in Stonetown. Only 2 girls got malaria and the healthcare workers knew what to do (they have a lot of experience)and we were informed before hand that we were to take preventative medications. Another girl had a leg infection that a doctor at the local clinic had to cut open but he did an excellent job with the resources available. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | During ISP we were given 18 TSH (about 16.5 dollars a day)to spend on room and board every day. My room cost around 6 dollars and I was free to spend the rest on food. When I was not doing my ISP, all meals were provided for or we were geven 6TSH (5 dollars or so) per meal. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | All students, regardless of where they decided to do their ISP, were given the same amount of money. But, some of the places people did their projects included room and board for only 10TSH and they got to keep the rest whereas others, like myself, were in the city where things are more expensive. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Elementary Swahili |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
We practiced with our teachers, homestay families, and Zanzibari friends. We did you kiswahili every day to interact with local people, however, due to the tourist industry on the island, many locals spoke English. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you want a good environmental experience, this is an excellent program. If you are looking for cultural immersion and a better understanding of Africa, I would suggest a different program. |
