Namibia: Stretching, Growing, Strengthening Past Review
By Jessica M (Environmental Science, Theology, Valparaiso University) for
CGEE: Windhoek - Nation-Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind
Yes, very much so. When speaking of multicultural in my class here this semester, we just skim the surface of the depth that I have dove into.
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. |
While the teaching and workload differed significantly from my university in the states, I cannot place a value on the amount that I learned from living in community with others who differed greatly from myself, having educational seminars, and spending time with homestay families. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Strengths: house intern, size (don't go bigger than 23!), experiential learning Weaknesses: Administrative staff not always polite nor assisted in helping to accomplish our tasks, Program Director was not adequately equipped for the job (or would make rude remarks to students) |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The house was a great proximity to class. If you can, reducing the number of people per room (6 girls is a lot) would be helpful. My host families were some of the highlights of my experiences and I am so thankful to have meet these wonderful people. They treated to as one of the family, but also a guest. |
| * Food: |
Vegetarian food was usually good, we would just have to watch portion size with people for the food would run out on occasion. Eat the homemade bread at the house! It's great! Also, hit up Zoo Cafe for desserts and Fusion for a close night out! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The travel seminars were phenominal and my favorite part of the program. Also the FNCC offered great films, dance shows, art shows, and fashion shows! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
I found that there was a lack of care from the Namibian staff about the students health. People would get ill and if it were not for the one American professor and the intern, our health concerns would of been ignored. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Less than 20 US dollars per week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Plan out fall break and search out options to find the cheapest way to take a trip. Also, be sure to have a credit card or a lot of cash on you for travel seminars in case someone gets ill and needs a doctor. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
