Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A fantastic experience for those looking to broaden their global perspective Past Review

By (Gettysburg College) - abroad from 08/28/2017 to 12/13/2017 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 not only about the complexity of natural resource management, especially in a country with such a rural/urban divide, but I also learned (through experiences and observation) about a different culture that challenged and changed my previous world outlook.

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.

I came into the country with a broad idea of what I wanted to study, and the SIT team worked with me to find a specific topic that matched my interests. They also helped set up all logistics to make the research possible

* 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:

Just like any city, just be smart about your wallet and phone.

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

This program was so fantastic that I decided to return to Mongolia on a 10-month research grant

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating out is cheap compared to the US, but if you overdo it, the costs add up.

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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Learn the Cyrillic alphabet before the program. And once in-country, practice with your host family as much as possible

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • Experiential Learning
  • Topics
  • Language
* What could be improved?
  • Packing list- you don't need everything listed
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program was very clear and upfront about a lot of things before our departures.

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!