An American Learning from Madagsacar Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work load is easily manageable. The ISP seems so daunting, but once you are a semi-expert on the project that you are doing, the paper is a piece of cake. The grading system was very frustrating in that I felt that it was much stricter than the atmosphere of the classes suggested. I am not satisfied with my final report.

On-site administration of your program

Mamy, the coordinator, is the glue of the program. The program size, at 24 students, was too big and frequently had a negative effect on the trip, specifically during meal times and during tours. The program's knowledge of the host country was excellent, as all administration members were Malagasy or had spent a significant amount of time in Madgascar. They did not, however, do a good job of catering to students who were coming out of the American higher education system.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I am so thankful for the opportunity that the program gave regarding host families. I loved my family and they made certain that I was both comfortable, but learning about how they live their lives. They provided me with all bedding, mosquito net, food, etc (thanks to SITs weekly stipend to the family) and even took me out a few times. I was their "big American son" and they treated me as such, which was perfect. Fort Dauphin was a great city and very safe - just use common sense (do not go out late at night alone, stay out of largely deserted areas, etc).

Quantity of food was overwhelming. They served everything from fresh, locally-caught fish and shellfish to chicken, beef, beans, etc. Be prepared for a LOT of rice. Eat with your families: you will love it, they will love that you want to eat with them, and it is a great experience in many different ways.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were too many memorable activities and field trips to mention. Our week-long village stay was certainly a memorable learning experience. Doing lemur ecology work in a national park was unbelievable. I would say that the ability to live what we were studying was so valuable - I think I said that before.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt safe pretty much everywhere we went and the coordinators made sure that everything was to the necessary standards. I was frustrated with the way the program handled health issues. Generally just "prescribing" over the counter drugs for anything that went wrong. Otherwise, it was to the doctor, where I had a really great look at the way health care in Madagascar works. After waiting for the long line of patients to diminish in front of me, I finally got in to see the Doc. With all of the symptoms of a concussion, I was diagnosed with "fatigue" and given prescriptions for THREE different drugs to help me get over my fatigue.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Use French with your peers. Yes, you are Americans in Madagascar and that means you want to connect through English. But, practicing French in every situation is key. You cannot count on your host family having a good command of the language (although mine, luckily, was surprisingly good at French) and most people do not speak English anyway. Using French connects you to the people around you. Many of the presentations are carried out in French, so practice also helps you understand much of the work done in class.

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Host Family
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Host Family

• The amazing beauty of Madagascar's natural world
• The friends, both American and Malagasy, that I made

• Academics