Life changing. Past Review
By Becca Q (St. Mary's College of Maryland) - abroad from 08/24/2012 to 12/14/2012 with
St. Mary's College of Maryland: Kanifing - PEACE in The Gambia
I learned so much it's difficult to put into words. Not only did I learn what a friendly and unique country The Gambia, but I also learned a lot about myself. I made some great friends. I'd love to go back again. It was definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The University of The Gambia was not very rigorous although I was not used to the grading system so I did not understand how to get amazing grades. I did get good grades though. The work I had to do for St. Mary's was not incredibly difficult, but it was a lot of time and research put into the research paper |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone who works for the program in The Gambia is so helpful. They are on your side and will do anything to make sure your stay there is as comfortable as possible. I have zero complaints about the on site staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great living arrangements. Actually I believe we were a little spoiled... |
| * Food: |
Took a while to get used to the food and the food we got at the house was not my favorite food in the country, but it was delivered to us so I can't complain too much! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Learning the language, wearing the clothes, talking to the people, having a host family, all of these things made me feel like I was Gambian. However we did live pretty secluded from other compounds. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 30 US Dollars |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use the money you get for lunch and dinner wisely. There are plenty of cheap places to eat around Happy Camp! No need to spend a lot of money on meals. |
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 |
You will be respected by the community and you will get to know Gambians if you use the language. Use it as much as possible. Practice it with your family. Keep a journal of words and phrases that you learn outside of language class. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 201. |
| 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? | With your family, in the taxi, in the market, on the street. Use it any time you're outside happy camp. |
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? | Get to know people! Staff members are not only great helpers, but great friends. The students at UTG make for great fiends and are helpful. |
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.' |
