SIT Multiculturalism and Human Rights Past Review
By Study A (International Relations, George Washington University) - abroad from 08/30/2015 to 12/11/2015 with
SIT Study Abroad: Morocco - Human Rights, Social Justice, and Cultural Transformation
This experience opened me to a new and fascinating part of the world that challenged myself to see the world through different perspectives. I made deep and lasting friendships and fond memories, and grew immensely as a person.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic director and guest lecturers were incredible assets to the program in providing students with unique and expert perspectives on the subject material. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The academic director, assistant director, and staff of the host-country program administration were invaluable to the students' overall experience during the semester in dealing with matters of academics, housing, health, safety, transportation, culture, etc. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestays provided students with a unique view of Moroccan culture by allowing them to experience life inside a Moroccan family, which was a valuable learning experience and also allowed for strong relationships with the members of the family and their friends. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The program provided many ways to integrate with the culture by means of homestays, excursions, ISPs, extracurricular activities, etc. In the end, and as it is with any study abroad program, social and cultural integration by the students depend enormously on how much he/she is willing to put in to immersing himself/herself into the culture, and so I encourage future students to come with a positive attitude and the desire to take initiative in interacting with locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had no problems with health, and the program staff on site went above and beyond to help students with issues regarding health and adapting to the new environment. |
| * Safety: |
Street harassment was difficult for many to adjust to, but with common-sense safety measures one can navigate the city with minimal problems. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Money goes faster than you'd think, but keep track of your spending and you shouldn't have a problem. |
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 |
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| 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? | Be willing to practice your skills outside of the classroom! Otherwise you will never meet your potential of improvement. |
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? | Your experience depends very much on how much you are willing to take charge of your time abroad and pursue your goals. While the program obviously helps direct and support the students in their learning experience, a large part of what you get out of it at the end of the semester is a direct result of what you put into it. Come with an open mind and a willingness to adapt to uncomfortable situations, and then you will have the best possible experience. Write down your goals at the start of the program and try to keep pursuing them throughout the semester. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
