Even if you were exhausted, there was always an adventure Past Review
By A student (Environmental Studies and International Studies, Trinity University) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/13/2012 with
SIT Study Abroad: Madagascar - Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management
I gained a new family, new friends, new opportunities, and new dreams and aspirations. I learned who I am and what I want to do with my life. I figured out my positives and flaws. I definitely feel like this programs was worthwhile and would encourage everyone to go. Though it is a hard program and not like any other study abroad, I learned so much about myself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academics wise, I felt like it was very easy. No homework at all and evaluations at the end didn't require much. the ISP is the main project and it does take lots of work |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrative staff was very helpful. They were always catering to our needs and sometimes even our wants. They understand that we are abroad and did a great job integrating us into Madagascar culture and back to American culture |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host family process for me was wonderful. Best experience ever. I learned so much about a new family and it was great to see how they included me into their family. The camping section was a little hard because we would camp for 6 weeks in one-2 week intervals and it was very tiring. |
| * Food: |
Though not anything like American food, the Malagasy food is not terrible. There is rice and vegetables and caters to vegetarians needs as well. Also, the country is becoming more moderns and opening up many pizza places and American restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Very integrated. From learning the rural villages culture to the main city people's culture, we completely integrated with the culture. It was wonderful to be able to experience and live with people of a different culture who have different traditions |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We had a doctor on site and every time someone was sick, it was taken care of. Health was the number 1 issue addressed |
| * Safety: |
People are very nice in the city. I felt very safe. We did have a curfew and the professors do tell you and show you the places to avoid. Overall it is the person's best judgement. Keep all valuables with you and safely. |
| 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) |
Very easy. Things are not expensive at all. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $5 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would suggest only bringing cash. It was a hassle to handle checks or credit cards. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 2 years |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | rosetta stone! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | -Don't need to pack too much American food, you can buy everything there -Don't be shy if you're sick or have diarrhea, you get to know your program friends really well and everyone will still love you even if you're sick.... |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
