IHP Health and Community was amazing Past Review
By aya brock jaber (Emory University) - abroad from 08/25/2019 to 12/14/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: IHP - Health and Community: Globalization, Culture and Care (Fall 2)
You are more capable than we tend to give ourselves credit for. It was an amazing experience that is incredibly special to me.
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. |
It was amazing to observe what you were learning in class out in the real world. I got a deeper understanding of various health issues each location faced because I was actually there experiencing the culture. Academically the program was challenging, but not overwhelming. all the resources are provided to you, and teachers are accessible and willing to help students. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It was great to meet new administrators each country. They pick their country teams very well. The team coordinates all your activities, but also is there for your overall support. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had great homestay experiences. The coordinators try to match people to create the best experience. I did not appreciate the surprise aspect. They wait to tell you your homestay partner until you get to that country. I did not like this because it made changes to partners a big deal. Yes you should be challenged on this program, but I'm not going to be in my homestay uncomfortable. that being said when I did have an issue with my Argentina homestay they switched me immediately. |
| * Food: |
Amazing! I did have dietary restrictions, but I was always accomodated |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The homestay experience really helped with this, but there are definitely times where you are uncomfortable and stick out. There is a country orientation in each place which helps to provide basic cultural norms. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
It was easy to see a doctor when I got sick, and it was free. The medicine took a substantial amount of my stipend in Vietnam, however. The team reacts quickly and is very flexible with health related issues. There is a list of vaccines that are recommended; I got all of them because I'm immunosuppressed, but there were plenty of girls on my trip who did not get vaccines. |
| * Safety: |
always felt safe. Transportation is usually provided when in a big group, and you have many resources to remain safe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I grew tremendously during this program, and I met amazing people on my program and in each country. It's an experience I will always cherish. It also helped point me into a direction career wise. |
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) |
There is a substantial stipend given in the countries. the most amount of money is given in Vietnam. the other two countries you have to budget more. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20-30, depends on the country |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Do not carry all your money at once. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Do not overpack you will regret it. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
