Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

American in Madagascar: What I Learned and Brought Back from the African Island October 11, 2024

By (Economics and Anthropology, Bates College) - abroad from 06/11/2024 to 07/26/2024 with

SIT Study Abroad: Madagascar - Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Systems

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad taught me to look at the cultures I am a part of more critically. For the most part, life in Madagascar is vastly different from the U.S., and there are aspects of Malagasy culture I believe Americans could benefit from replicating. My experience has inspired me to consider and change my behaviors and values as an American.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

I loved my homestay families. They were both very accommodating and a pleasure to live with.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was extremely accessible. There was a private doctor who travelled with students throughout the program and was available nearly 24/7. Although a great resource when students had physical ailments, there was minimal mental health support.

* Safety:

Besides the small risk of pickpockets, I generally felt safe traveling throughout the city within our co-ed group. Yet, as a woman, I would not recommend traveling alone or in a group of only women. Most of the female students in my group were harassed on the streets at some point throughout the program.

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

Deciding to study in Madagascar was one of the best decisions I've made. It is a really unique country, and I don't imagine my experience could be replicated anywhere else. I had very little exposure to international travel before this program, so being able to explore Madagascar trusted locals and in group of American students made the experience far less intimidating.

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? $67

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
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 Nat and your host family in Malagasy whenever you have the chance.

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

  • 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 instructors and excursions
  • The other students
  • The subject material
* What could be improved?
  • Safety (especially for women)
  • Food options for those with dietary restrictions
  • Mental health resources
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? As someone who struggles with learning new languages, I wish I began studying Malagasy independently before the program.

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.