Past Review
By Kenneth K (PSYCHOLOGY., Valparaiso University) for
CGEE: Windhoek - Nation-Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind
A large focus of this program is on reflection and discussion. The thing I gained most was not from the program directly, but from this emphasis. I was able to step back from the academic focus for a semester and prioritize my remaining semesters and plan for the future. The group of people here are caring and are very pleasant to be around, which is very important during a period of time so far from home.
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. |
Learning is done through experiences and discussion, mostly outside of class. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There is a lot of inconvencience that occurs on this program. Much of the planning is not very well done, though many aspects are positive. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
House with over 20 American students living in 6 rooms. 4 bathrooms and 4 showers in the house. meals provided <br /><br /> House is great, other than the internet connection. |
| * Food: |
Food is limited to certain varieties. It gets old after awhile. Routinely was not enough food for whole group of 24. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Many built in trips to see various parts of the country, as well as brief homestays, contributed greatly to cultural experience. Most students went to Oktoberfest, which celebrated the culture of the large German population in Namibia, a former German colony. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Windhoek is a city with a lot of theft and pickpocketing. Valuables should be left in the CGE house and locked up. Don't carry wallets or too much cash, especially to concerts or clubs (where people are closely packed together). |
| 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? | less than 100 US a week will get you through pretty easily. food is provided by CGE. Only things like taxi fare, souvenirs/gifts, going out to eat, side trips, and alcohol will cost you anything. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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? | Be prepared for food that isnt great, internet that is frustrating, and a group of people who are very interested and involved in the subjects that you will be studying. |
