Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Inspiring Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 05/19/2012 to 07/09/2012 with

St. Mary's College of Maryland: Kanifing - PEACE in The Gambia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about what it takes to live in a culture very different from my own. I learned a new language and I learned a lot about local gambian students. It was very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 U.S. dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Always keep the majority of your money in a lock box. Bring one if you can.

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? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? Practice with a friend.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The locals
  • The teachers
  • Leisure activities (going to the beach, shopping, playing soccer with locals)
* What could be improved?
  • An option to be in Berefet and get psychology credits
  • I think the for host family component, the student should have more of a say to what kind of setup they are put in (how many fellow students, how far away the compound is, etc)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Always speak up! Some Gambians will take lack of talking as insult...