Hands on Learning and Cultural Experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think the experience here is what you make of it. I was the most educated out of those I worked with. If I wished, I could have been relaxed or lazy. On the other hand, I also had the opportunity to teach as I learned and improve the organization. The biggest downside was the lack of internet connection. I often went to town to do research/email (This should no longer be a problem, as they were installing internet at the time of my departure. To find out for sure, you can email the office at itjareng@gmail.com)

On-site administration of your program

The IVTC Administration was very good to work with. They gave me access to information about their program so I could easily learn what I was working with. They were very open in sharing their ideas and were also willing to hear my ideas.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing includes running water and plumbing. It is very cold in winter and there is no insulation or central heating in the homes. (Remember that winter in the Southern Hemisphere is opposite to that of the States)

I liked the food a lot. Papa (maize meal mush) and Moroho (spinach) with Chicken is the most common meal. Just about everything tastes good, and I would recommend you try everything at least once. The one thing I did not enjoy was Malemakholu (intestine)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

If you make an effort to learn what you can of the language/culture, you will be loved. I was completely immersed in the culture. There are enough English speakers that speak well enough that you can easily get by. However, Lesotho is very homogenous in language and culture, and outside of the Centre there are many who speak little to no English.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a good private hospital. I went there when I had a horrible flu. I would advise bringing some diarrhea pills with you, as you never know when you will need it. I did get vaccines to go to Lesotho. I don't remember what the required vaccines were, but you can easily find out at the local county government office or CDC website.

Compared to other places I have been in Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland, and South Africa), Lesotho is very peaceful and safe. I was informed of some incidents of mugging and violence, but all incidents took place in town after dark. At Itjareng there is a security guard (completely unnecessary in my opinion). The Centre is very safe, as is Masianokeng Village.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

You will live for much less than you are accustomed to. Food is very inexpensive in Lesotho, particularly if you eat the local cuisine. Transportation is R5 ($.75 or so) to get to town or to go anywhere around town. You can spend $25 a week and survive. Depending on what you eat, how often you travel, and what you do for entertainment, it is still possible to spend $100-150 in a week. I probably spent $30-$35 a week.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

They didn't expect any level of Sesotho fluency whatsoever, but they did encourage me to learn what I could and were very willing to tutor me. There is also a sign language component to help you communicate with the Deaf students.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Other

• I was completely involved.
• I was free to make suggestions.
• I was given my own projects to focus on.

• Internet installation (may have been done by now)
• Indroduction to the Executive Board
• More guidance on individual projects