Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life-changing! Past Review

By (SUNY - Stony Brook) - abroad from 01/18/2017 to 04/06/2017 with

SUNY Stony Brook: Kenya - Field School in the Turkana Basin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worthwhile, especially as someone who wants to do her own fieldwork someday

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.

This program is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Cost effective, unique, and exciting, studying abroad at the Turkana Basin Institute was hands down the best thing I've ever done. If I could be there right now I would.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing is clean and comfortable. With running water, showers, bathrooms, comfy beds, clean sheets, you will be very happy.

* Food:

There are some dishes that you may not be used to, and you eat a lot of rice and beans, but overall the food is healthy and delicious! Much better than the food I normally eat at my home campus.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I would have liked to have more contact with local peoples, but you do get to go out on day trips and talk with people from all around the world, not just Kenya.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You will be very well taken care of. There is an extremely low risk of malaria, and they are equipped to deal with any other illness and injuries.

* Safety:

It is extremely safe 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)

You spend practically no money while you are there. Since you are in the middle of nowhere, there is no place to spend money. Food and drink are provided to you.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? on average, $0

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Fieldwork Experience
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It will be hotter than you expect

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!