An experience that taught me a lot about myself! - SIT Study Abroad: New African Diasporas: Transnational Communities, Cultures, and Economies Past Review
By Tia Coleman (Xavier University of Louisiana) - abroad from 01/23/2018 to 04/23/2018 with
SIT Study Abroad: Reviews from Former Locations
I learned about my history as an African American and I learned about different cultures. This program was worthwhile because I made lifelong friends in the program and in each country.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I would rate the academic rigor of the program at a 5. There were a few readings that were assigned but they were never really discussed in class to intensify the reading or lesson behind it. Resources were plenty but the country coordinator would almost never guide us or introduce us to helpful resources. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration of host-country was extremely unorganized, unprofessional, and incompetent on many levels. However, the country coordinator in Europe was extremely organized. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Very satisfied. My homestay was nice and clean. |
* Food: |
Food was good |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
very intergrated |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
* Safety: |
Pretty safe but always keep someone with you at night! Especially if you're dressed up for a night of partying. Men will harass you at night. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The group I was with made the trip amazing. If I did not have them, I would've been booked a flight back to America. |
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) |
budgeting is imperative. Money goes so fast abroad. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | fifty dollars max |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Give yourself a limit of how much money you want to spend and don't go over. Get gifts at the end of the program with the remainder money you have left. |
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 |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | three years of french in high school |
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? | talk with your homestay family in the language, try ordering food in the language, try naming stuff in the language when you're walking or driving somewhere. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That this program was full of constant disappointment. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |