Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Mali: They're More Like Guidelines Past Review

By (Physics., Carleton College) for

Study Abroad Programs in Mali

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, but not for academic reasons. Absolutely for cultural, language and worldview.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The thematic seminar could have been much better, although we did learn some things. Language classes were generally positive, though, and the independent field project at the end of the program was a very valuable experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was wonderful (program staff, the people of the country at large, the sights, the families) but academics could have been stronger.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Bamako felt very safe, even at night. Malians are very accepting.

* Food:

Eat everything they give you (it's hard to be vegetarian).

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

host family in general. long, patient hours with them.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Bamako felt very safe, especially because the citizenry is very protective of anyone who needs help. I didn't have much experience with the healthcare system, but it seems like the program staff were very helpful, which was necessary because health care wasn't quite solid there.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I don't know. Very little (probably netted fewer than 10 USD per week).
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Health is the biggest expense. But in general, don't need to feel extremely restricted in spending.

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? 204 (audit)
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Host family, program staff, everyone in Mali -- most people did not speak English.

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Mali and its people
* What could be improved?
  • Academics

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

French
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French/English
Comments: Total and unfortunate lack of communication between students and professor caused class to go poorly.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Health, Gender, Community Empowerment
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: French
Comments: Interesting, but wish it could have been more in depth.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Bambara
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English/French
Comments: Wonderful. Professor taught very well to American students. Wish the pace were faster.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Field Study Seminar
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Moderately useful
Credit Transfer Issues: