Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I learned a lot and made incredible friends along the way. July 12, 2022

By (Environmental Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/31/2022 to 05/13/2022 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Kenya – Endangered Species Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of local knowledge about the environment in the kimana region, research experience, new friends, and a better understanding about the way the humans and wildlife interact.

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 staff on the program were incredible, and provided an enriching educational experience. The classes were challenging at times but also very interesting, and the information was all very relevant to the local environment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration were extremely kind and caring, and interacted regularly with the students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was very comfortable with only two people to a Banda (due to covid) though I imagine it would feel much more crowded if there were 4 people in there.

* Food:

The food was absolutely delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unfortunately, due to covid and the nature of the program our involvement with the local community was more limited than I would have liked.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Yes, I needed a number of vaccines for this program. I also experienced numerous health issues but the local clinic was very accessible and was able to help with my problems. Unfortunately though, the local clinic did not take health insurance, so I had to pay out of pocket.

* Safety:

I felt very safe in the local town and community.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I didn’t originally plan on studying abroad in kenya, but I’m so glad I did. The local people were so incredibly kind and welcoming, the wildlife was amazing, and I learned so much.

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? ~$30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy gifts and other goods at the local market rather than curio shops or lodges.

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

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? Beginner
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? Use Duolingo!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The staff
  • Research in the local community
  • The wildlife
* What could be improved?
  • More time off
  • Reliable access to hot water
  • >>solar panels to replace backup generator
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The restrictions on appropriate clothing while on the KBC campus were not as strict as the program guide made them out to be.

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.