Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Amazing Experience No One Should Miss Past Review

By (Molecular and Cellular Biology (Major), Johns Hopkins University) - abroad from 08/22/2012 to 12/17/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: IHP Health and Community - Globalization, Culture and Care

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
How can I best put my IHP experience into words? Honestly. I can’t. Every time I think back to my time spent abroad with IHP, I remember so many amazing moments that stole my breath, changed my life, and rocked my world. At the beginning of IHP you meet many alumni and faculty that throw this term ‘life-changing’ at you like they’ve been practicing the pitch for days. I thought nothing of it, when they said it. Now, I write to you to say that it is absolutely no pitch. It is the gospel truth - every word of it. I came back from my IHP trip with a whole new perspective and I completely changed my goals and plans for post-graduate life. I can safely say that IHP has set me on the career path that I am following today. This is not a study abroad opportunity to be missed.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think that this may be the only weak point in an overall amazing program. I did not feel the academic challenge that I had hoped for, but certainly did enjoy the in-class discussions.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The host country coordinators made sure that students were completely taken care of at all times. I never felt unsafe at any point over the course of my trip. Additionally, the programs were well thought out by these coordinators.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Amazing homestay experiences.

* Food:

I love trying new food and this program certainly helps you to taste many different cultural cuisines.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We spent a lot of time with the other student on the program, so it did not feel super culturally immersive. However, the homestays and free time did allow for a much more integrated experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Any concerns for student health were taken care of in a swift and appropriate manner with no flaws.

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe.

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

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)

This one depends entirely on the country that you are in and how much you want to spend on experiences. For instance, India was cheap in almost every respect, while South Africa was a little bit on the more expensive side of things and offered opportunities such as shark cage diving.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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
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?
  • Comparative Learning
  • Homestays
  • Experiential Learning Focus
* What could be improved?
  • Academic Intensity
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have taken more time to network while abroad. This is the time to meet people who are changing the world, so make sure to talk to everyone you meet.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'