I only wish I didn't have to leave Past Review
By Allegra B (Macalester College) - abroad from 01/27/2020 to 03/17/2020 with
SIT Study Abroad: Cameroon - Development and Social Change
My french improved, I learned so much on an academic and human level and grew so much as a person. It was 100% worth it.
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 |
Administration was wonderful and so supportive throughout my time abroad. They were also so helpful when we had to be evacuated out of the country due to Covid. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Both my host families were welcoming and made me feel at home. The parents treated me like their own children and I am still in touch with my siblings there. |
| * Food: |
I tried so many new foods and it was all delicious. Street food is incredible there. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Language and cultural barriers were difficult to overcome, especially as we were only there for a month and a half before we had to leave because of Covid. However, I found people welcoming and willing to let us learn. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to go to the hospital because of an allergic reaction. Doctors were super helpful and I got speedy healthcare. It was also very affordable and people from SIT were with me the whole time and took care of me throughout. |
| * Safety: |
You have to look out for yourself and your friends but I generally felt safe. SIT gave us helpful tips and as long as we were street smart and attentive to our surroundings, I always felt safe. The people in the street were also usually looking out for us, especially those that we befriended. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I met so many incredible people and felt at home. I really hope that I can go back one day. |
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) |
5 |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about 300 usd total out of pocket. Most of it was on gifts and extra excursions. |
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 |
5 |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 203 |
| 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? | Listen to those around you, always make an effort to communicate with your host family and be willing to be uncomfortable not knowing what is being said around you. |
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? | I went not really knowing what to expect and that was not a problem for me. The experience was just full of surprises. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
