Madagascar’s Miracles October 30, 2024
By Kara D (Public Health, Georgia College & State University) - abroad from 06/11/2024 to 07/25/2024 with
SIT Study Abroad: Madagascar - Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Systems
I learned so much about the Malagasy culture and about the people. It was worthwhile because it changed my outlook on many things and ignited a new passion I didn’t know I had.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This course allowed creativity, application of previous knowledge, and hands on activity. The content was not overwhelming, but did provide thought provoking assignments. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program directors are the best directors to have on a study abroad program. The directors support the students very well and provide comfort during student’s stays. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Although living with host families can be nerve racking, the program directors found perfect host families that support the students and help the students feel at home in a foreign country. |
| * Food: |
The food was good, however I recommend that if you have not been to various countries and developed a stronger gut biome, then I suggest not eating from street stalls/vendors. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The locals were very welcoming and loved to interact with the “foreigners.” Being able to go to the different palaces, traditional healers, and cities allowed for the students to be emerged in the local culture as well as staying with the host families. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare was very accessible and the program directors would take the students to the hospital personally. The directors also had a medical professional on staff to keep the students healthy. The program disclosed possible health risks at the beginning of the program thoroughly so that the students would be informed and could take preventative actions. |
| * Safety: |
Despite many people coming up to you asking for money (mostly children), the families and the program directors kept the students safe. There was fairly low violent crime rates. The only thing students need to be aware of is pickpockets or thieves (but the directors take special care and inform students if they need to leave their stuff). |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program was life changing and provided new perspectives that inspired new passions and career opportunities. |
Finances
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* 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) |
The families provide food, the program provides snacks, water, and lunch. You will spend the most money on souvenirs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~$150, this is due to the fact that I went out a lot, and I bought many gifts. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don’t buy souvenirs at the beginning of your trip, wait till the end of the trip. You won’t have to buy much if you pack accordingly. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
The directors and family encouraged Malagasy usage. You are taught Malagasy throughout the program. |
| 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? | Malagasy is a language that you learn by speaking and hearing rather than trying to learn from a book. Pronunciation is key for Malagasy people to understand what you are saying. You will learn more if you practice more. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared to go outside of your comfort zone, and really try to connect with the people you meet on this 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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving 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.' |
