Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most challenging, rewarding, joyous time of my life Past Review

By (Tourism and Travel Services Management., Millsaps College) - abroad from 01/29/2013 to 05/12/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Cameroon - Development and Social Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was my favorite part of my college life. I learned what culture was, how to navigate the world through a different perspective, and how to inter culturally communicate. I have a family in Cameroon, and I hope to return one day soon.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were better than I ever could have expected. So helpful and kind, so understanding and available. The staff of SIT Cameroon made my experience extraordinary.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I received the mandatory vaccinations for my stay in Cameroon and took daily malaria preventative medication. While there I had several bouts of severe diarrhea and even had malaria. This was unavoidable. The staff always was available to take us to the doctor, and they stayed with me in the hospital for the duration of my stay for malaria treatment.

* Safety:

Cities in Cameroon are like those in the US- you need to be vigilant and aware of everything going on around you to stay safe.

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

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)

Everything was provided in our program and we received a stipend for lunch each week. Finances were not an issue because we were on a budget fixed by SIT.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10

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

I spoke French all the time.

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? French 3700
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just keep at it. Speaking a foreign language all the time is challenging, and some days it feels like you will never get better. You can do it! No matter how embarrassing struggling through this new language is, you will not regret the work you put into trying.

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

  • 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?
  • My home stay families
  • The community of students
  • The SIT staff guiding us through this experience
* What could be improved?
  • I think that Millsaps should provide more scholarship for students who choose outside provider programs
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I am satisfied with what I knew then and what I have learned since. The program was wonderful simply because I learned so so much. I don't think I would have wanted to change my understanding before the program because then it would not have been as life changing. I wouldn't have wanted anything to be different.

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.