Can't Wait to Go Back. Madagascar: National Identity & Social Change Past Review
By Helen F (International Studies - African Studies, Trinity University) - abroad from 01/31/2013 to 05/15/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations
I feel so much more independent and self-sufficient. Also, my confidence in my language skills really shot up, as well as my hesitation in speaking it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not difficult, but rewarding |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I did not like rice very much going into this program, and that did not change! When you here that the Malagasy eat rice with every meal (and yes, that includes breakfast), it really is not an exaggeration. I am a vegetarian and lactose intolerant - so basically vegan, but I eat eggs - and I was able to maintain that diet while abroad. It is definitely doable, though a little difficult and be ready to eat a lot of beans and peanuts. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The program is very prepared for health issues, of which there will be many. Everyone gets sick at some point, it's not really avoidable. But they act quickly and effectively, and it really isn't a big deal in most cases. |
| * Safety: |
Not safe to be out after dark, especially in Tana. Also, there is a big problem with pick-pockets, so carrying a bag or purse isn't advisable. |
| 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) |
I think I may have spent...$100 of my personal money. Over the entire semester. A part of the program cost is dispersed throughout the semester as a stipend, and that is usually enough. But, I'm also a very thrifty/cheap person, so that was a big part of it. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Less than $10 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Bring either a self-filtering water bottle or chlorine tablets (or both) to save money on buying bottled water! |
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? | Advanced |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Fluent |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | French Literature |
| 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? | Jump in! Even if your host family speaks some English (it isn't super likely, but it could happen), ask them to only speak French and really try to stick with 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? | Only bring clothing that you don't care about - everything will be hand washed and it will get stretched out/faded |
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. |
