It was a humbling experience that I will never forget! Past Review

By (Virginia Union University) - abroad from 08/22/2017 to 12/08/2017 with

United States International University in Kenya: Nairobi - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be grateful for my education and for everything that I have. Throughout the toughest situations, I have to make the best of it and to keep striving for success. Therefore, my trip was beyond worthwhile and I am forever grateful.

Review Photos

United States International University in Kenya: Nairobi - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo United States International University in Kenya: Nairobi - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo United States International University in Kenya: Nairobi - Direct Enrollment & Exchange Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Classes were rigorous, but there was not enough tutoring resources to adapt to new teaching systems

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

If needed for emergencies, he was always reliable. However, he could have made more internship and volunteer work available for all students with different majors and not just for wildlife related majors.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There was no kitchen and hot showers were not available throughout the day.

* Food:

On campus cafeteria was disgusting.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The clinic on campus was convenient, but they did not give you a proper diagnosis. The nurses did give you a lot of medication. My body was not use to so much medication at one time. If you went off campus to another facility, I had to make sure they took my insurance and sometimes they did not. So I would to come out of pocket and put in a claim form to get reimbursed,

* Safety:

I never felt like I was in danger. ALWAYS USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM.

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

Overall, the program was organized and very flexible. If I needed anything or needed to talk to Kim Nicholas, she was only a phone call away.

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)

It was very hard to live on student budget because I did not have a meal plan. So I was always buying food. I spent a lot of money abroad.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30- $40 a week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to buy groceries for your room so you won't have to go out to eat all the time. Take a matutu or bike if possible to save on transportation. Ask locals for common prices on items outside of a regulated mall or store to make sure you are getting a fair price.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Planned excursions
  • Free cellular device for the duration of the program
  • Free books at the institution
* What could be improved?
  • Living situation
  • A new meal plan
  • More internship and volunteer opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that the budgeting chart on the pre-departure guide was not going to be practical for me and my circumstances.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.