Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One in a lifetime adventure Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/12/2013 to 07/24/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: Rwanda - Peace & Conflict Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the new culture, about appreciating differences among people. One way of doing things is not always the correct way. History needs to be looked through a critical lens, and I also learned there are individuals who just cant take the cultural shock. Its all about going with the flow and learning as much as you can.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academic rigor is subjective. There was less physical work, but a lot of mental work processing culture and history and analyzing the world around us.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Absolutely phenomenal! The administrators and leaders we had on the trip were incredibly knowledgeable about their subject at hand and were amazing help at trying to process all the information we were learning.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in host stay families, which only enhanced the cultural learning experience. We learned the way of life and daily routines, which was really a great experience. All hotels during other travels were top notch and well picked out.

* Food:

We ate the local food, needless to say if you're open to a new culture, you will enjoy the food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integration is difficult to achieve in any foreign country, especially Rwanda and Uganda. But we did not have an issue with going about with our daily routine.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Everything was included in our program fees.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Everything!
* What could be improved?
  • Some timing issues with schedules
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Mostly about cultural clothing styles, so I knew what to pack.

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 Adventurer
The 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.