Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable experience with memories I'll never forget August 29, 2023

By (International and Global Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/21/2023 to 05/21/2023 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Yaoundé

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about being adaptable and how to be an international traveler in different settings. International travel guidelines and strategies do not work for every country.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Professor Ariane Ngabeu is an amazing professor and director of the program and this program and its success could not happen without her.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at the Simo house and I had an amazing experience!

* Food:

I have a nut and shellfish allergy which prevented me from eating a lot of local dishes, but it was easy to make accommodations and overall the food was delicious!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got malaria and had other health issues throughout the program, but the health services connected to the program were great, and I didn't have a problem getting the help I needed.

* Safety:

This is not necessarily the safest country to be in, but the host families and administration help prepare you to feel safer. Part of the experience here is the fact that we're in a more vulnerable country where crime is more common and not addressed well, but students should know this going into it and mentally prepare. Also, as a light-skinned black woman and, the social dynamics were complicated.

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

While I wouldn't be a college student anymore, I still highly recommend this program.

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)

This program is much more affordable and it's because the host families are extremely welcoming, at least my experience was, and the cost of living is less compared to say, European programs.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Professor Ngabeu was strict about the language pledge and the three of us in the program stuck by it.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Host family
  • In-Country program administration
  • Country topography
* What could be improved?
  • Preparing students for safety tips and security
  • N/A
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What the safety and security situation was in the country to better mentally prepare myself. This kind of information isn't always online to research for oneself so it's important to have the program coordinators prepare the students beforehand.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Cameroonian literature and film
Course Department: French
Instructor: Professor Ariane Ngabeu
Instruction Language: French
Comments: The course itself wasn't entirely challenging, but the conversations in class were super enriching.
Credit Transfer Issues: I'm unsure.