Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Surviving and Thriving Away from My Comfort Zone Past Review

By (Environmental Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/23/2015 to 06/08/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad Mongolia and Siberia: Nomadism, Geopolitics, and the Environment

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned I am capable of anything, it might be difficult and hard, but I can survive it and learn from it and treasure the experience for how it shaped me

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? 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? $0-$100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the black market for souvenirs and for clothing and boots, it us much cheaper than the State Department and other stores.

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? No Mongolian language douse had been completed prior to departure
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? Practice daily with your host family

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 SIT staff
  • My host family in UB
  • The Black Market
* What could be improved?
  • Course structure
  • Longer internship
  • Gender and mental health support
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light, you do not need as much clothing as you think you do. Follow the packing list to the letter. Spares can be bought there. Bring extra cold medicine though from home.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!