Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I will never forget the amazing people, places, and experiences in Tanzania. Past Review

By (Bilingual Elementary Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 03/13/2013 to 03/25/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Tanzania - UNI Ultimate Field Experience in Tanzania

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only did I learn the beginnings of a language, I bonded with the people who taught it to me. I experienced places that most people only see in movies and read about in books. I learned about the people, the animals, the climate, the education system, the economy, and the hard life the people live there. Going to Tanzania through this class was one of the most worthwhile pursuits I've taken in my life thus far.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My experience in Tanzania provided so much hands on experience in the area of human relations that a regular classroom would not be able to even compare to.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was always clean and made me feel very comfortable there.

* Food:

Although the food is not what I am used to, it was a great experience to be able to try what the locals actually eat on a daily basis. I feel that I truly experienced the traditional foods of Tanzania.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had the chance to eat meals in local homes. We toured local homes, stores, a church, and schools. The only way we could have been more integrated into the local culture is to have stayed for an extended period of time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We did not have any health issues on the trip.

* Safety:

I always felt safe on the trip, but we didn't stray much from the group. The people of Tanzania were very welcoming, but I would suggest anyone who visits still stay in a group.

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)

The trip overall was beyond my student budget, but if I had lived there long term, I would have been able to pay for daily expenses easily on a student's budget. Everything was very affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I think I took $300 with me for the 13 day trip. Most of that was spent on souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I think the trip was pared down to as little expense as it could be while not taking away from the quality of the trip.

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

We learned Swahili every day. We practiced it with the locals and with our trip leaders.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? I took Spanish in high school but had never experienced the Swahili language.
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? Definitely practice with the flashcards provided before you leave. Keeping a journal of words we learned on the trip was very helpful as well.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • The people I met from Tanzania and those in my group are easily my favorite part of the trip.
  • Our time spent on game drives during the trip allowed me to see some of the most amazing sights I will ever experience in my life.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish we had more time in Bashay Primary School.
  • This trip really needs to be longer. May be it should be a May trip.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how touched I would be by the people's need for supplies that we could provide for them. I would have brought so many more donations had I understood that beforehand.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'