Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Immersive and truly once in a lifetime!! And I played with lemurs! February 23, 2023

By (Environmental Studies + French, Wake Forest University) - abroad from 09/04/2022 to 12/17/2022 with

SIT Study Abroad: Madagascar - Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
There were definitely some grittier/harder moments, but I honestly learned so much and grew a ton during my time abroad. Madagascar is so very different from the US and I had so many opportunities to develop my language skills while meeting people who come from such different walks of life. I feel so much more mature in my desire and willingness to listen, my critical thinking skills, and in my awareness of the world around me. I love talking about my experience to anyone who will listen!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

This program is truly so unique. I loved how involved we were with the local community and culture, from living with a host family to really experiencing life in more rural villages. The connections the program has fast track you into seeing things that would ordinarily take years to work into.

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? ~ $10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The street markets are great places to buy souvenirs and trinkets - just be sure that you're buying quality items, because buying junk for cheap will add up over time!

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

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? 300-level French
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? Get a head start on watching movies/videos and reading books in French! You will be fully immersed when you get there so a warm up is always a good idea

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?
  • The program leadership in-country
  • The emphasis on community immersion
  • The physical landscapes
* What could be improved?
  • Organization at SIT's home base in VT
  • Dietary offerings
  • Healthcare / availability of medication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that bottled water would be readily available at all times.

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 Adventurer
The 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.