An enlightening look at climate change impacts and strategies across the world. Past Review
By Molly R (Environmental Studies, Johns Hopkins University) - abroad from 08/28/2019 to 12/10/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: IHP Climate Change - The Politics of Land, Water, and Energy Justice
The programming pulled from a vast network of resources to create an immersive learning experience, with guest lecturers, site visits and unparalleled opportunities. It was generally incredibly intentional and well-designed to develop and build our understanding, to encourage critical thinking, and to expose us to important literature, frameworks of analysis and international environmental and social justice concepts.
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. |
The courses taught by the traveling faculty were standard and, though interesting material, felt like a typical light lecture class. However, the site visits and guest lectures were truly the stars of the learning. They offered immersive, unique perspectives that covered a wide expanse of topics. Overall, the workload was fair and forgiving, given the strenuous and high speed nature of the program overall. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The country staff, in Vietnam, Morocco and Peru (there was a location change) were some of the hardest working, most caring individuals I have ever met. Their commitment to creating extensive programming, making us comfortable, supporting our learning and fun, and genuinely getting to know us was truly incredible. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Traveling with a large group of mostly American students and being shuffled from place to place it was a bit more challenging to meet local people or interact in a low key way. However the program did afford a lot of freedom during off hours, such that it was certainly possible to take it upon oneself to explore in smaller groups and seek your own interpersonal connections. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Yellow fever vaccine was needed for Bolivia |
| * Safety: |
I felt incredibly safe throughout the majority of the program. Different places had different amounts of late night culture, which was just something to keep in mind. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program exceeded my expectations almost across the board. The emphasis on environmental justice was not something I was aware would be central but was so grateful it was. The staff/program directors, country coordinators and traveling support were all so incredibly inspiring, and committed to listening to students, supporting them and creating the best all-around experience possible. |
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) |
Program provides food and transportation stipends when appropriate/for portions of each country which are generally reasonable for covering those costs. For some countries provided money for data, but not everywhere and a number of kids found that this could add up. Spending on extra food /shopping varies greatly between students. There is also a mid semester break that is not covered by the program. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Varies greatly - $10 on average |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Work with local/in-country staff to coordinate transportation for any extra travel. They generally have good contacts and can help with group pricing |
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 |
The language was very introductory for each country, called “survival courses”; not at all meant to be immersion |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| 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 with locals, host families. This program is not a heavy language focus overall |
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? | 0 |
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? | Packing better for three different climates |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
