A little unorganized, but overall a great experience Past Review
By Teaka J (Food Science and Technology, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 02/01/2015 to 05/16/2015 with
SIT Study Abroad: Kenya - Global Health and Human Rights
I loved all of the opportunities that I was able to experience. We visited so many organizations that were relevant to my field and I definitely learned much more than I would have in a classroom. With that being said, I thought that the program was pretty unorganized. Due dates were very close together and, without a reliable internet source, were often not able to be completed on time. The stay in Kisumu was very long and consisted of lectures six days a week. Hopefully more trips will be incorporated into that month, and more time for assignments will be allowed in future programs. I also wish the advisers would help more during the ISP period. I would still recommend this program, however, because of its incorporation of visiting organizations, having guest lecturers from universities or working in their field, and the home stay experience. Athman, Miltone and mama Mary felt like family and were always available for support.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses were mainly intense because they were often unclear. Also, we had a large amount of assignments to do in a short time frame, and I was unable to access internet at my home stay. Needless to say, we all needed to ask for extensions. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Athman, Miltone and mama Mary were always a phone call away. They were very understanding about our needs and were always available for support. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved two of my three home stays. Hopefully next time, the families will be more informed about what they should and shouldn't do. The girls always had to share bedrooms or tents when at hotels or while camping. |
| * Food: |
Always given plenty of money for food. There were so many local options that it was hard to pick. Chef and Chef was definitely a favorite as it had large portions, was inexpensive and was located across from our classrooom! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We didn't have too much interaction with locals. We were able to meet a few students attending Maseno in Kisumu, but other than that we really only met with our host families. I wish we would have had the opportunity to talk with more young adults our age! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Don't even worry about the safety issues in Kenya. I never felt like I was in harm's way. Athman keeps very informed about the issues. |
| 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Not much other money would have been necessary |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't spend as much on lunch when they give you the money. You can save it for use later in the semester. Also, stay with your host family during ISP period because hotels can get more expensive. |
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 |
I used it until ISP period. |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I took up to French 3 in high school |
| 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? | Talk to your host family in the language. |
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? | I wish I hadn't packed so many clothes, and I did not need my credit card. I opened my bank account so I could use my debit card which was the only thing I needed. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
