Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Decision I've Ever Made July 18, 2024

By (International Studies & Anthropology, Emory University) - abroad from 01/23/2024 to 05/06/2024 with

SIT Study Abroad: Indonesia - Arts, Religion, and Social Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be comfortable being uncomfortable- talking to random people wherever I went, constantly practicing a new language while learning it, and living differently than I do back home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

SIT Indonesia was the best decision I made. If you value experiential learning, this program will teach you a lot. Resources were readily available and a lot of classroom time was spent on language instruction.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Academic Director created a comfortable classroom environment which allowed for a comfortable learning pace with enough time for rest and exploration throughout.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

All of the homestay families are so welcoming and kind. Not all homestay have air conditioning or sitting toilets, but all make sure that you are as comfortable as can be.

* Food:

Indonesian food is the BEST! So delicious and I always felt like I was eating a balanced meal and never went hungry.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program really made us feel like we were part of the Kerambitan (and Tista) community- we attended funeral ceremonies, weddings, we were invited to pray with our host families, and sing karaoke with neighbors.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

SIT Indonesia values experiential learning and really helps us integrate into the local customs and community.

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)

5- Very easy, food and living costs are very inexpensive in Indonesia. The only thing that will be more costly is shopping or eating in more touristy areas like Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? USD-$10 maximum
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You can almost always haggle at markets for a lower price! If you speak in Indonesian, you have a higher likelihood of getting a lower price

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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Don't be afraid to make mistakes! People everywhere in Indonesia are legitimately happy to hear people learning their language and will be kind and help you figure out what you're trying to say.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The community
  • The food
  • The environment
* What could be improved?
  • I wish I had slightly more language practice before meeting the host family
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is okay to make mistakes while speaking Indonesian! Don't be afraid to practice and make mistakes because it will help you get better.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.