Rwanda and Uganda: Challenging Yet Rewarding Past Review
By Andrea B (Psychology, Otterbein University) for
Study Abroad Programs in Uganda
My experience was worthwhile in the sense that I learned how to be independent and navigate on my own throughout Europe and Africa. I also learned where my comfort zone was and how to react when it is pushed. I also learned to truly appreciate the little things in life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Book reports helped us realize the true weight of the genocide in Rwanda. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths: We got the true East African experience. Weaknesses: Nothing went according to plan and all the students were ill-informed as to what would happen next. Our professors were not too supportive and we had to rely on ourselves to get out of sticky situations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food service at every restaurant was terrible, as we often did not receive any food or would have to wait several hours before the servers would bring out the food. It also was not a balanced diet. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We got to live like the citizens of Rwanda and Uganda and learn about their histories and cultures. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Rwanda was an excellent place to visit. I felt very safe there. I would NEVER visit Uganda again. |
| 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
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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? | Be strong and independent. Be ready to test your limitations and trust your instincts. Never let anyone walk all over you. Have an emergency contact ready! |
