One of the best experiences of my life! Past Review

By (Sewanee: The University of the South) - abroad from 02/02/2016 to 05/16/2016 with

SIT Study Abroad: Tunisia & Italy - Politics & Religious Integration in the Mediterranean

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live in a new place, maneuver life without speaking the local language, and develop meaningful and lasting relationships far from my comfort zone. It was totally and completely worthwhile.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad: Tunisia and Italy - Politics and Religious Integration in the Mediterranean Photo SIT Study Abroad: Tunisia and Italy - Politics and Religious Integration in the Mediterranean Photo SIT Study Abroad: Tunisia and Italy - Politics and Religious Integration in the Mediterranean Photo SIT Study Abroad: Tunisia and Italy - Politics and Religious Integration in the Mediterranean Photo

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.

* 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:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would participate in SIT Tunisia a million time over if I could!

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? $30

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? Arabic 101
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? Use it in every way possible, don't be afraid of making mistakes, and have fun with it; it's a fun language and everyone is so helpful!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The SIT Tunisia staff
  • The homestay aspect
  • The Independent Study Project
* What could be improved?
  • The number of students participating
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There is nothing that I could have known that would have made my experience better in hindsight. While of course I made some mistakes and not everything was perfect, each aspect was essential to building my experience and my knowledge of myself as well as Tunisia.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'