Abroad in Africa- An Unforgettable Adventure Past Review

By (Biology/Pre-Med, Austin College) - abroad from 09/03/2013 to 12/09/2013 with

The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more than I thought I could about African wildlife and ecosystems, issues in the ecosystems, and how to be independent and accomplish important research projects. Not to mention what I learned about myself as a person... priceless!

Review Photos

SFS: Kenya & Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies Photo SFS: Kenya & Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies Photo SFS: Kenya & Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies Photo SFS: Kenya & Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Didn't have power outlets in my second room.

* Food:

It's good, but it can get repetitive at times.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish we could have spent more time out of the camp with locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It was easily accessible and very reliable.

* Safety:

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? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't be afraid to haggle! I'm talking like 40% of the first price you were offered. Don't get mzungu (white person) price, that's for tourists.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Don't be afraid to use Kiswahili, it's fun.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Other
* 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
  • The Animals
  • Experiencing something new literally everyday
* What could be improved?
  • Food choices (not bad, but always room for improvement)
  • More time out of the camps in the surrounding area
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can trade things very easily in Kenya and Tanzania! Bring old items that you don't want and get cool East African souvenirs!!

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.