Rwanda: an amazing abroad experience with SIT! Past Review
By Elena O (International Politics, Georgetown University) - abroad from 08/26/2019 to 12/08/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: Rwanda - Post-Genocide Restoration and Peacebuilding
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Going to Rwanda was one of the best choices I've ever made. Looking back, I learned so much about Rwanda's history and the way that it informs modern society. I also had a very positive experience with my host family which gave me insight into Rwandan culture that I could not have gained elsewhere. It was truly a unique experience that will impact many of my future decisions, I'm so glad I went to Rwanda.
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
|
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? | 10-15 USD |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buying food and produce at markets is much cheaper than the grocery stores! |
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? | I did not know any Kinyarwanda before arriving in Rwanda |
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? | Definitely be willing to take risks and practice in public! Rwandans are very friendly and will always help. |
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 things often aren't going to work out the way you expect, but that's part of the experience and part of being in culture different from your own. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
Featured Program Providers