Past Review
By Mitchell T (Psychology, International Service, Valparaiso University) for
CGEE: Windhoek - Nation-Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind
Absolutely. I gained understanding, both of the globe and of 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 statement that this is the easiest semester (academically speaking) is true. But it was very worthwhile because of all of the out of class learning that took place. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was very knowledgeable and helpful, though it seemed a little less organized at times. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
CGE house where all the students lived, as well as three different homestays with host families. <br /><br /> All of the housing was very good. |
| * Food: |
Good food, given the difference between Namibian and American diets. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very laid back atmosphere. Cultural events were always a great time. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
A lot of students were sick throughout the semester, but they were all taken care of. I never personally felt that I was unsafe at the house or out in the neighborhood. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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? | about $500 or $600 for the entire semester. It all depends on personal spending habits. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If at all possible, plan to save more for the trips (Swakop, Etosha, fall break, etc.). |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I have never learned Damara/Nama before this program. While difficult for me to learn (the clicks), it was very enjoyable to be able to use it in conversation. |
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? | It's a beautiful experience. Difficult at times, but worth all the effort that is put into it. |
Comments
I believe it would be incredibly beneficial for every student to spend some time overseas.
Skitch November 09, 2009
