Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

very dusty, fun, and educational Past Review

By (Environmental Studies, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 07/08/2018 to 08/08/2018 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 a lot about myself as a person because I didn't know anyone going there. I learned a lot about field research techniques in my field, which was very exciting. I gained a better perspective of what it's like to do the kind of work I want to do.

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.

It was an excellent program and I feel like I learned a lot, but the wifi situation was incredibly frustrating when trying to complete course work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The cleaning supplies were lacking, but toward the end of the month we had access to more sponges and stuff.

* Food:

I am picky and had a really hard time at first, but they accommodated me well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

For the resources that were available, they did very well at taking care of us.

* Safety:

There is an issue with some drunk people following you asking for money occasionally, but nothing actually dangerous besides maybe wild animals

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would rather stay longer in Tanzania, or go somewhere new.

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)

They fed me there so I didn't have a lot of personal expenses besides things I wanted to buy in addition.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100ish
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not buy things the first time going to the market, learn how to barter and learn what actually costs what. A lot of people over paid for stuff the first week.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • People
  • Animals
  • Coffee and bananas
* What could be improved?
  • Better internet
  • More local language learning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I learned some of the local language before going because with summer programs thats not really part of the course work but I wished I was able to understand more people. Also, always bring more money.

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.