Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

True learning Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/15/2016 to 07/29/2016 with

SIT Study Abroad: Rwanda - Peace & Conflict Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A new perspective in life and an understanding of conflict and conflict mitigation.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

It was great academically and a lot of fun.

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)

Things are cheaper in East Africa

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food, around $20/week, plus presents
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend it all on presents in Rwanda, Uganda has some great markets

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? None in any of the languages spoken in these countries (additionally to English and French)
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Lectures
  • Safari
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Life is simple and hygiene a little difficult to sustain the same as you do in the US

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!