The most eye opening and worthwhile experience of my life Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/27/2012 to 05/12/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: Kenya - Global Health and Human Rights

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
What it was like to live in a developing country. Most shockingly, how friendly/honest these people were and accepting of us students. I've learned to be very independent and self-reliant.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? No

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't buy anything and everything in site. Learn to barter.

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? Spanish
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? Go out and meet people. Interact in the language and don't be embarrassed if you mess up or forget words because the people are very friendly and willing to help.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* 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?
  • The exposure to the culture
  • My main host family in Nairobi
* What could be improved?
  • Time management
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? People are very friendly if you show them that you are about their culture. Time does not exist for most Kenyans.