CGE Namibia is Awesome! Past Review
By Helen W (HISTORY., Clark University) for
CGEE: Windhoek - Nation-Building, Globalization, and Decolonizing the Mind
Yes!!! A good combonation of comfort (supportive staff, living with Americans) and challenge (living with host families, going on trips, taking a language class). Very sensitive to cultural differences and encouraging of open-mindedness and understanding. Wonderful program.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very organized and knowlegable and supportive staff. Felt comfortable with professors and administration. Program size was perfect - 23 students. Expectations far suceeded. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Lived in a house with other 22 students and on-site residential advisor. House was clean, staff was extremely kind and accomodating. Wonderful cooking by the women who worked in the house during the day! Bed sheets, etc. provided - very helpful. House was in a quiet neighborhood yet only minutes walking distance from down town. Tons to do, many opportunities to get involved with the local community! |
| * Food: |
Very accomodating of vegetarians. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Field trips nearly every day for class - what a wonderful way to learn! Class trips around the country and visiting rural / urban host families very well-planned and educational as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Ability to practice with host family. Minimal practice for most part. Most people spoke English. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live 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? | Get involved, explore the city every day, never hesitate to participate in activities or try new things. Get to know your professors and local people, be open minded, never stop asking questions, and stay positive. |
