Challenging yet very very rewarding! Antananarivo - National Identity and Social Change Past Review
By Ivana W (Political Science and Government., Villanova University) for
SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations
A part of the program is to conduct a month-long independent study project, so in doing this research by myself I gained valuable experiences such as knowing how to talk to people who don't necessarily have the same background as myself, to be persistent, to be cutthroat, organizational skills, and keeping a goal in mind. Culturally, I enjoyed the entire experience of being out of my comfort zone and not relying on technology all the time.
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. |
Focus is on experiential learning, so there are a lot of guest speakers from political figures to economists to mediums communicating in traditional beliefs. The workload is less than that of normal classes, and an emphasis is put on integrating with the Malagasy people especially home-stay families. The grading system is very fair! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff is very well trained to solve any situation that may arise. Also,they are very strong on communication to ensure the safety and well-being (physical and mental) of the students. The small program size (25 students or less) created an AMAZING experience because no student got "lost in the crowd"; each student received attention and help if needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The program ensures that the student has their own bed, even if they must share with host-family siblings (of course-- separated by gender). Due to the host-country's economic status, it cannot be expected that living arrangements resemble a 5 star-hotel or anything close to it, but it does not deprive students of any necessities. My 3 host families were very welcoming, nurturing, and appreciative of my presence. Therefore, I was able to take full advantage of my interactions with them and the community. |
| * Food: |
Students and natives consume rice on a daily basis since rice is Madagascar's main produce. Those who hate rice may not want to go to this country; however, families and the program is accommodating of special preferences or allergies. Many students prefer vegetarian options, so the school tries to provide a vegetarian-friendly option. Families may not understand certain preferences especially not eating meat, they will still respect the student's point of view and provide some type of meal for the student. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
GREAT once-in-a-lifetime experience!! My favorite part was the 1 week homestay in the heart of a rural village. I got to integrate myself with daily routines such as getting bathing and drinking water out of a well, tending the family herd of cattle, working in the rice fields, and being a part of a community that does not need mounts of wealth or technology to live. Most of all, my understanding of people of different backgrounds in different types of society (American versus Madagascar, and urban versus rural) have expanded immensely. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Host city-- Antananarivo is not a very safe city, but if proper precautions are followed by the students (not walking alone especially at night, hide any valuables, keep track of belongings, not trust everyone you meet, do not try to stand out in attire or otherwise), few incidents would occur. The program makes sure to go over safety thoroughly in the beginning and throughout the program. |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Speak in the foreign language even if you make mistakes when speaking, listening, or writing. They are willing to provide feedback not criticism. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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 flexible with time management, be patient, and definitely try to integrate with the culture as much as possible by talking to as many people as you can. |
