A life-changing experience Past Review
By Grace W (Sociology/Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/23/2013 to 12/07/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: Samoa - Social and Environmental Change in Oceania
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worth while. I learned about the culture, about relationships, other people, and most importantly, about myself.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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: |
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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? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $75 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Learn the bus schedule! Avoid taxis! |
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? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | I had completed no coursework in Samoan |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I think it was beneficial for me not to know much going into this experience and therefore I don't think there is anything other than what is already provided that students should know before going on the program. |
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. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Independent Study Project |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Jackie Fa'asisila |
| Instruction Language: | Samoan |
| Comments: | The independent study project process was incredibly challenging and rewarding. My academic director, Jackie Fa'asisila was incredibly organized, well-prepared, knowledgable and helpful. I chose a separate advisor as well. I was assessed by my ability to work with my advisor, my work journal, and my final paper and oral presentation. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
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