Untitled Past Review
By A student (International Relations And Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/28/2013 to 12/11/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Bolivia - Multiculturalism, Globalization, and Social Change
It was totally worthwhile. I learned about an amazing country and a really unique group of people. How much I love my own country and a better way of life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My first host family was a bust but my second was amazing! My program was super prompt about switching me and I'm really glad I made the change. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program assistant and my family were super prompt about helping me to the hospital and getting all my health needs figured out. I was sick twice during the semester and I really appreciated their help. |
| * Safety: |
Cochabamba can get dangerous and like any city you should be cautious with how many valuables you carry, walking alone, etc. Get some good friends, a cheap cellphone, and start learning your way around and you should be fine. But there are no real guarantees. |
| 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) |
Bolivia is ridiculously cheap so if you budget you should be fine |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | less than $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Eat at home as much as you can (you've paid for those meals already!) take public transport as much as possible and keep count of the souvenirs you buy. |
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 |
Incredible professors. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | Conversational Spanish |
| 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? | Talk to people on the micro, the street vendors, wait staff. People are really friendly in Bolivia and they will be really helpful while youre learning. |
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? | Be friendlier and more open. Meeting people only helps |
