Bolivin' It Up: Culture and Social Change in Bolivia. Past Review
By Sarah F (Global Studies, Providence College) for
SIT Study Abroad: Bolivia - Multiculturalism, Globalization, and Social Change
After my time in Bolivia, I am even more sure that I want to dedicate my life and future career to human rights advocacy. The people here will set you on fire if you listen to their stories and share in their struggles.
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. |
A lot of work was assigned, but you were not expected to complete it all, only the readings that interested you the most! The academic directors were extremely flexible and understanding, while still pushing you to grow. Heavily written reflection-based. The month-long independent study project was also something new for me. We were given a stipend ($600) and essentially pushed out the door as they waved and said "see you in a month!" It was a very independent period of lots of personal growth. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Both the American and local Bolivian directors were extremely supportive and engaged in their students' well-being and learning. Program size was 24 which was a bit high, but still doable. Expectations exceeded. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host mom was a GREAT cook- loved eating local Bolivian food everyday for lunch and dinner. I had to buy my own laundry detergent but other than that everything was available for my use, including kitchen space. My host mom treated me like another daughter, though it took my host sister (23) a bit longer to warm up to me. Overall very satisfied. |
| * Food: |
Be careful- lunch is the biggest meal here, and they take food seriously in Cochabamba! Expect to only eat bread and coffee/tea for dinner (you'll get used to it). A great study spot is Brazilian Coffee on the Prado; it is a bit expensive but has free wifi and is open 24/7, even during bloqueos and holidays. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Carnaval in Oruro was one of my favorite memories; the mix of ancient Bolivian traditions and Spanish influence manifest in the colors and dances of the parade was incredible. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never had problems in Cochabamba, but in La Paz I was robbed by a false cop. A man dressed in uniform convinced me that he was the "tourist control" and I stupidly followed him into a cab where he robbed me of my camera, cell phone, cash, credit card and PIN. In big cities and at night you must be especially careful and constantly aware of your surroundings. Note: you do need vaccines before entering the country, specifically the Yellow Fever vaccine and proof you got it on an official WHO card. Also, bring plenty of Pepto-Bismol. |
| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You might not have wifi at home- be ready to go to cafes that have wifi, thereby spending a bit on coffee/food in order to get internet access. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Live with a homestay family! Definitely the best way, along with making local friends. |
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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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? | The more you willingly throw yourself into a situation the more you will get out of it. Go in with an open mind, desire to learn, and desire to share about yourself/your country and you will undoubtedly emerge from study abroad with incredible experiences under your belt. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Multiculturalism, Globalization, and Social Change Seminar |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Rotating |
| Instruction Language: | Spanish |
| Comments: | Challenging .in the sense there was a lot of reading, but extremely rewarding. Took 4 excursions to different parts of the country learning about culture, politics, history, etc. and how they are all connected. All lecturers were engaging and enthusiastic. Fantastic course. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: | Not sure yet- hope not! |
