Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pharmacy in Uganda Past Review

By (Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration., Wilkes University) - abroad from 09/07/2012 to 10/07/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in Uganda

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. We had to opportunity to experience so much of the culture and wildlife there. We worked with several organizations as well as the local university, and were able to gain a broader perspective on how pharmacy works in other parts of the world. It was a life changing experience to see first hand how people of a third-world country live.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Was a little disorganized yet it was understandable as this was the "trial" year for this type of program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very satisfied! Our accommodations were very nice at all locations.

* Food:

Food was amazing! Both local and international food was great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated! We got to experience much of the African culture first hand.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe 99% of the time. There was an occasion when a warning was published by the US Embassy that muslim groups were going to be in the city rioting, but other than that no concern.

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)

Very easily! Aside from the flight, the food, housing, souveniers were all very affordable!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe like 125-225 weekly
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just make sure to save up ahead of time. Even though the food and drinks are very cheap, you must keep in mind you will be buying 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, for 4 weeks (if you go the length of time we did) and it does add up.

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

Most of the people in education spoke English so we really didn't use the local language at all.

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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? If their local language is predominant, then definitely learn as much as you can.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Other
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?
  • Working with Red Cross and Taso
  • Weekend excursions: equator, safari, rhino-trekking, Nile River
  • Experiencing the Ugandan culture
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Planning with the school
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Overall, I thought the experience was terrific, I was aware that our schedule was tentative but I didn't realize that our plans may be changing last minute like they were. Regardless, I wouldn't change anything.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.