Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing experience with SFS Tanzania! June 19, 2022

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/01/2022 to 05/13/2022 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained plenty of valuable knowledge and experience from this program through the course materials as well as experiential learning. I was also lucky enough to make a lifelong friend, and get very close with some other students. Finally, I was able to learn about myself as a person, and it was an extremely eye-opening and worthwhile experience.

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.

The professors and academic staff are amazing- they welcome new students with open arms and are there to answer any questions the students may have as well as help them out any way they can. Outside of the classroom, the field experience gained is unparalleled. No where else can a student learn about African megafauna, birds and insects in such an up-close and personal environment. Cultural learning is also plentiful, albeit a bit hindered due to COVID.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was fair and listened to the complaints of students if and when they arose, even if sometimes it took awhile.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was excellent- sometimes there would be technical problems but the facilities staff was always quick to become aware of and address these issues. There was plenty of room to co-exist with other students.

* Food:

The food was amazing- there were plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit available, as well as meals that provided warmth and sustenance. If anyone had any issues with a meal, they could always talk to the cooks who were extremely helpful and would change the recipe for next time. You can also suggest meals for them to make and help if you would like, and they will make sure you feel at home.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I always felt welcome with the community when I was around them but unfortunately because of the pandemic we couldn't have as much interaction as there would be normally. Also, be aware that Tanzania has different societal and cultural norms so some things may be different than the US- the people are amazing however and eager to make you feel welcome.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Whenever anyone had an issue with healthcare, they would immediately get taken to a nearby hospital and helped. Additionally, other safety precautions regarding health were stressed and available if needed. The health and wellness manager made sure to take care of everyone's needs in a timely manner and is 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)

You can choose activities to spend money on- nothing is forced. You can go by without buying anything, but if you do choose to spend money each week everything is incredibly affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20

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

Swahili is taught to everyone in a course and the staff welcome students to use it with them as well as with locals- everyone is willing to help teach the language if you forget a word or two.

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?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Animals
  • Staff
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing- it's perfect!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? My only advice would be to go into it with the motive of learning as much as you can and to be open minded- even if things do not happen they way you thought they would, you can still learn from them.

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.