Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IHP Climate Change: An Extraordinary, Engaging Experience Past Review

By (Vassar College) - abroad from 08/18/2019 to 12/10/2019 with

SIT Study Abroad: IHP Climate Change - The Politics of Land, Water, and Energy Justice

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My learning mainly came in the form of learning about ways to think about and analyze systems and issues. I think that's a worthwhile thing to learn.

Review Photos

SIT Study Abroad/IHP Climate Change: The Politics of Food, Water, and Energy Justice Photo SIT Study Abroad/IHP Climate Change: The Politics of Food, Water, and Energy Justice Photo SIT Study Abroad/IHP Climate Change: The Politics of Food, Water, and Energy Justice Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

As a whole, I didn't find the courses to be particularly rigorous because there were relatively few assignments. The experience was mainly bulked out by site visits and a focus on experiential learning.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Each of the three countries had a country coordinator and at least one assistant; they were all incredibly talented and accessible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had good experiences with my host families and all the hotels were quite nice. However, there were issues with wifi accessibility in certain hotels, which could be really annoying.

* Food:

I personally enjoyed all the food and had no problems. However, I know that vegetarians on the program had some difficulties with food both in homestays and while eating out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Homestays really help to ground you in your host country on this program. There is also a lot of moving around in each country though, so it was hard to feel connected with every place that we visited.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I personally was lucky enough to not experience any health issues during the program, but other people did and the administration was very prompt and helpful in responding to the problem. The yellow fever vaccine, which can be difficult to get, was required.

* Safety:

As a whole, this program is pretty safe. However, there were incidents of people being followed and phone theft on my semester. The administration will give safety orientations in each country — definitely listen to their advice and follow the buddy policy.

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

IHP Climate Change was incredible to experience and eye-opening to synthesize. So much happens on this program, and it's so interesting to learn from such a wide variety of people and places.

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)

SIT gives a food and transportation stipend in each country. Depending on the country, it may or may not actually be enough. Morocco especially was more difficult food budgeting-wise.

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

There's a general encouragement to use the language if you want to but it's completely up to the individual how much they want to engage with it.

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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Probably the best way to get any use out of the languages is to interact with your host family and sellers.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
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?
  • Site visits
  • Amazing people — homestays, lecturers, other students
  • Focus on synthesis and interconnectivity
* What could be improved?
  • Some aspects of orientation could be unclear
  • More opportunities for individual interaction with guests
  • Diversity in the students on the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There's not only movement between countries, but also a lot of movement within countries, which can get exhausting.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!