Uganda: Everything I Never Expected! Past Review
By Jordan D (Sociology., Pacific Lutheran University) for
SIT Study Abroad Uganda: Global Development Studies
Absolutely!! I learned so much about just learning to be patient...learning that our traditions and American practices and beliefs aren't necessarily the best and right way of doing things...learned so much! My academic experience helped me realize that I want to go into education and work with minority/at risk kids.
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. |
it was definitely "experiential learning." I feel like I learned the most not in the classroom but every day--with our homestays, exploring Uganda, riding the taxis, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
the program's strength was the incredible staff, and just variety of experiences we were given--traveling, different living situations, etc. I loved the "experiential learning" approach. Very effective. A weakness was the actual academics and lecturers during the program. SOme were very insightful while others were repetetive and vague. I also think "development studies" is too vague and needs to be more specific. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a german volunteer for 6 weeks. Incredible experience! |
| * Food: |
Loved all the fresh food! It was fun experiencing the cultures food |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
we got to travel a ton. We visited Rwanda and visited various genocide memorials. We were able to travel all around Uganda, which was fun and great to be able to compare different parts of Uganda and their development. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Uganda was experiencing political elections while I was there. Although there was a little political unrest including riots and protests. However 99% of the time I felt very safe. Our academic director was incredible. Always making sure we were aware and taking precautionary steps. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
home stay family, local people every day--on the taxi, at the supermarket, on the streets, etc. Many people spoke English, but knowing a little Luganda was very helpful in sparking relationships and showing an interest of the culture |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | an outgoing, adventurous person who is willing to learn another culture, even if it means stepping outside your own comfort zone. |
