Challenging, yet Rewarding Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

This program should hire one additional staff person. It seemed as though program administrators were stretched thin and often stressed out when problems/issues with students occurred. However, staff tried to be as friendly as possible.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Based on the expectations of the program (i.e completion and rigor of assignments etc). Host families should have appropriate equipment available (in context of Cameroonian amenities) . Also housing varies by student. Luck of the draw. I happened be placed in one of the more "unfavorable" housing environments. In my situation, continuous rat infestation and maggots in room made it difficult for comfort ability all semester.

The food was one of the highlights. I was well fed with ample food supply.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I took time to feel integrated, but I felt integrated after the first 2 months in Cameroon. I don't think I was as prepared in understanding the culture prior to the start of the program. Even though Cameroon is a bi-lingual country. French is spoken more often, in fact English is considered the minority language. This language aspect is very important when thinking about the cultural parts of Cameroon. Knowing French, I felt prepared. However, this language barrier was a strong hindrance for others in the group that did not have a strong French background. The program should consider raising the language requirement to 2+ years for French knowledge, or strength their beginner language learning class.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I happened to get extremely sick my first week in Cameroon with a bacterial disease ( I still have occurring stomach issues). I spent a night in a hospital, that was not sanitary (no tissue, no soap and water, no gloves were used, my IV needle was placed on a dusty counter before use) and care was very different than home ( nurses did not check on you often and were not nurturing. I shared a room with 8 other people in all ranges of health conditions). The next day I switched to a more westernized clinic that was helpful in getting me the medications and diagnosis that I needed. Before going to the hospital, I spoke with the SIT Cameroon doctor who told me I only had traveler's diarrhea even though I knew I was more sick than that. It took me getting really sick, before I went to the hospital with the program. Other than that, they tried the best they could. I took Malarone for Malaria prevention and had a yellow fever vaccine prior to departure. As far as insurance reimbursements, the program is not up to date with protocol. SIT for this program has a complicated process for reimbursement (still working that out).

Not the safest environment for women. Knowing cultural context will be helpful. Do not go alone at night. Have at least 3+ people when traveling at night and/or a local that you trust.

I wish there was a "Maybe" option. If the program had some restructuring then I would possibly go on the same program again. SO many great experiences in Cameroon, such as completion of research that I am proud of, but also not so great ones.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

US currency going a long way in Cameroon. Easy to stay on a cheap budget, especially with SIT and the meal allowances, etc.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans

• Research Period- ISP
• Food
• Program Classmates

• Orientation
• Homestays
• Work Load for Circumstances

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer