Cameroon: An Amazing Leap Outside My Comfort Zone Past Review
By Rachel E (EDUCATION., Hope College) for
SIT Study Abroad: Cameroon - Development and Social Change
My experience was more than worthwhile, and it absolutely altered my future plans. But I can't reveal everything I learned because it would be like giving away the ending. You have to see it for yourself.
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. |
I learned so much in Cameroon. The program has enough academics to keep you engaged, but not so overwhelmed that you don't have time to experience the culture and spend time with your host family. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program staff were great. All are locals and their knowledge about Cameron is extensive; they are one of the best resources for students. The small size of the program was exactly what I wanted. My only concern about the program would be their response in more serious situations, which can feel slow and uncoordinated to American students used to the immediacy of calling 911 or rushing to an emergency room. At the same time, I visited both a hospital and a police station during my semester (through no fault of SIT) and I came home safe and I wouldn't be scared to go back. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Distance to classes varies from a 1 minute walk to a 35 or 40 minute walk depending on the part of the country. The only thing you really need is a mosquito net. |
| * Food: |
You will not go hungry in Cameroon. |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
As long as you are cautious (don't walk around alone in the middle of the night), I would consider Cameroon to be just as safe as a city like New York. During the day I was very comfortable walking around by myself or taking a taxi into downtown. In the evenings I preferred to go with another student or Cameroonian. My advice would be the listen to the program staff, they know how to keep you safe. I was bit by the dog living next door to my homestay, so I can tell you that the hospital was clean and the doctor was very nice. The program staff accompanied me to the hospital and helped me through the process of buying medicine and further treatment. The system is different, but I never felt like I was receiving inadequate care. Definitely take malaria medication and get all the required vaccines!! The rabies vaccine is optional; I did not get it and ended up having to get 5 shots after the dog bite. But those five shots cost me $60 and I'm fine. Whereas the preventative shot in the US can cost $800. It's optional and you have to decide for yourself. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Personal food costs are included in tuition and the program gives you a weekly stipend for food. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I think I spent between $500-$800 of personal money. Which covered souvenirs, buying fabric and tailoring for clothes, medical costs, travel for optional excursions, and other miscellaneous items. I think I was about average, but I know other students did it for less. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French 311: Language and Culture |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I was surprised how much my language improved. I came in at a 300 level in French, but not very confident speaking. After the program I would be comfortable in a room with people who spoke only French. I practiced language with other students, program staff, lecturers, homestay families, and Cameroonians I encountered around town. I did need to use French everyday and this immersion is probably what helped me improve so much. All of the program staff and many of the lecturers or high professionals speak English in Cameroon. I also found that some of the kids in my homestay families were learning English in school, but there were certainly times when English was not an option. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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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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