Past Review
By Jessica C (Political Science and Spanish, Valparaiso University) for
CGEE: Windhoek - Nation-Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind
Honesly, this experience was so personal and profound I do not even know where to begin to explain how huge of a positive inpact it has made in my life. Not only did I learn about a new place and remember everything I have learned, I had the oportunity to meet with very important people, and most importantly I learn about myself.
Personal Information
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The type of learning that we did was not class room intensive. There were no exams and only a few papers, but the learning was done outside of the class room. Our days were planned from the moment we woke up until late in the evening. There was never a moment that went by when we were not learning something new. We would met with various speakers and learn about the many aspects of Southern Africa. After these speakers we would have many reflections over what the experiences and speaches had taught us. We would also compare what we were learning to our own ways of life and politcal systems. I learned more and retained the information that was taught during this program then I had ever learned in a class room. Not only did I retain this information, but I learn about myself and that in itself is something that cannot be taught in a class room. This experince was by far one of the best academically and personally. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very helpful and were always quick to answer any question and provide help when needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a house with 24 other students. I also had three homestay families. I lived with host families for a total of a month or so. <br /><br /> The home was located in an ideal location because everything was practically walking distance. |
| * Food: |
We were the largest group the program ever hosted. It took a few weeks before there was enough food to feed everyone. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Stay in groups Don't act like a tourist, you are living there for 4 and 1/2 months. Be aware of your surrondings. Have fun. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | In total I spent about 1500 dollars, but did not spend the bulk of that until after my trip to Victoria Falls. You can spend much less depending on the types of activites you want to do. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Come with a budget in mind and know which events you would like to spend the most on, such as fall break or cape town. Also, note when the exchange rate is at its highest and take out large amounts so that your home banks do not charge you for many atm trips. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I never new of the language until I was in Namibia. I can now say a few phrases in Damara (a click language). |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program and location is wonderful, but like everything you do in life you get out of it what you put into it. If you make the effort you will with out a doubt fall in love with the country and experience. |
