Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying abroad changed my perception on life Past Review

By (Biology, Trinity University) for

CIEE: Iringa - Community Development, Language + Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going abroad was worth it because I learned a lot about myself, career goals and social life. it helped confirm the choice of career I would like to have.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load wasn't as intense in the beginning but towards the end I was more stressed out as everything was due at once. The main difference is that the US system spreads out the workload through out the semester while in abroad 60% of your grade is the final exam or project. This was more stressful at the end of the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program coordinator was very helpful because he made sure the courses fit our schedules and the classes that we really needed were offered

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at home with my parents.

* Food:

The food offered at the cafeteria was very good and they had variety.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The excursion trips were very good as it was a bonding moment for the students out of class. The trip to Zanzibar during a music festival was refreshing and entertaining.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city was very safe as nothing happened while I was there.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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? $30 on food and travel
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? N/A

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

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Cultural excursions
  • Academic courses
  • Safety
* What could be improved?
  • Housing cost
  • Organization of the professors at the local university
  • Classes with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be open minded and this program would fit students who are interested in African culture

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

African International Relations
Course Department: PLSI 350
Instructor: Prof Bruce
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was very challenging but they covered different aspects of African politics.
Credit Transfer Issues: No
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Sculpture
Course Department: FP 202
Instructor: Prof. Nahimian
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was very refreshing as it involved hand work and reduced stress from the other courses
Credit Transfer Issues: