THE AMAZING EXPERIENCE I HAD IN NAMIBIA Past Review
By Miranda Louise Madeleine W (Political Science; International Development and Social Change, Clark University - Worcester) - abroad from 08/16/2015 to 12/09/2015 with
CGEE: Windhoek - Nation-Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind
Words cannot describe what I learned abroad because it was an amazing experience. I am still thinking and processing everything I saw. My classes were great, and I really loved how they were set up, because we were able to interact with predominant individuals within the Windhoek and Namibian community. The travel seminars during the program were great because I was able to learn a lot outside of Windhoek and how it contributes to the country and region as a whole. I liked being able to apply my knowledge and education in international development to a country. I also loved being able to participate in an internship. I really valued my time during my three different homestays, and am still thinking about my experiences with my family and what I learned during those days. There is so much more that I could say that I have learned during my study abroad experience, but overall I loved my program, it was totally worthwhile and there is nothing I regret.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics were approached from a very immersive way. The guest speakers from every class, every day, really contributed to my overall learning. Going out and being able to see the culture and society that we were learning about, from school sponsored trips to private exploring, was really helpful to my learning. I felt like there was not a moment where I was not learning something new. The teachers were always available and willing to answer questions in regards to the readings and academics. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living arrangements were totally fine. The house was kept clean, and the beds were comfortable. |
| * Food: |
Food was all home-cooked in the house. Some days were better than others, and some of the vegetarian food got tiring after a while. |
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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? |
It was very easy to get to a hospital if |
| * Safety: |
The program provides comprehensive safety briefings, which were really important. It was always very important to be aware of my surroundings and to understand the city you are living in. |
| 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) |
There were minimal costs needed outside of the program. It would be possible to not spend any money at all. The exchange rate works in favor of the US, and money will go farther in Namibia and South Africa than it will in the US. It is possible to only spend a very minimal amount of money because food is all included. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50USD (AT MAX) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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 |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew more about the process and the different home stay experiences. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
