An Expansive Experience: 7 Weeks in Madagascar September 12, 2025
By Nimotalai A (Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Systems, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 06/17/2025 to 07/31/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Madagascar - Traditional Medicine and Healthcare Systems
This was a very connective experience for me and I learned a lot in the fields that I hope to go into in the future
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This study abroad program was academically enhancing because of the experiential nature of it. Program directors and assistant directors always let us know they were a resource, as well as family members and local students. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Unlike other programs, the administrative team is smaller and non-traditional. Despite this, they continuously made themselves available to us for questions and assistance |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestay arrangement made my experience in Madagascar. Find an accommodation that meets all of your needs and make sure to thoroughly communicate everything you need with program directors to make sure your needs are met. Advocate for yourself, always! |
| * Food: |
The food was the biggest adjustment for me, but it could be what makes the trip for you! Lower protein and high carb volumes at meals is standard in Madagascar, and resulted in low energy for me throughout the day. At first, this didn't mix well with the early morning schedules (5:30 - 6:00am) because I eat a diverse array of foods. This was quickly solved with me and my cohort members asking for more protein options though. Again, advocate for yourself even when its uncomfortable! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The local students, home stay family and admin team made it a priority for us to be integrated with the local culture. I attended independence day events, family gatherings and parties. You will absolutely be integrated into the culture and language so prepare ahead of time to be a short term Malagasy! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare system is quite different, and traditional remedies are largely relied upon in addition to allopathic medicine. This becomes more apparent as you learn the history of Madagascar but know that you always have access to hospitals, clinics and pharmacies if your issues persist. The rural homestay takes you the farthest away from hospitals so make sure to prepare yourself appropriately. |
| * Safety: |
Ivandry in Antananarivo is considered a safer part of Madagascar but it is (of course) incredibly different to any other Western urban cities and their standards of safety. I found Ivandry bustling, and like any other bustling city it comes with its ups and downs. Keep yourself safe and prepare for unwanted attention (particularly from men) at all times so essential protocol for anyone anywhere. Keep your phone and money in your pocket when walking through marketplaces, walk in groups and dont go out alone at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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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) |
Madagascar is more than easy to afford on a student budget. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $5 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save your money for souvenir shopping, meals are covered for this program! |
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 |
Language portion was very enaging |
| 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? | English is my third language |
| 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? | Speak to people in the language, even when youre bad at it! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | The schedule can change and your sleep/wake up routine will change day to day |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
