Unforgettable Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Academics were interesting but many times staff showed up late or in one instance the professor didn't show up at all. I was really frustrated by how relaxed people always seemed to be - including professors who I'd sometimes try to reach out to or staff. I can only recall of 2 professors who I thought were exceptional. The language instructor was absolutely amazing though and honestly deserves some kind of award. You get a Mi-Fi (small portable WiFi device) will limited data so be mindful of how much internet you use or you're going to pay a lot just to do homework. I always had to camp out at the Sheraton Hotel to do homework because the MiFi could't some data processing.

On-site administration of your program

Staff was very supportive and understanding - I loved the program directors truly out of the bottom of my heart and I felt like they viewed me as family as opposed to just a student. Near the end I think frustrations boiled up a bit both amongst students and with the staff (just a bit) but the same overall feelings of love and support remained. At times I felt misunderstood and like the staff (near the end) no longer empathized with my emotions and that they were agitated with me for no reason. I was never allowed to feel sad or upset near the end of the program and whenever I expressed that I felt bad the program director would get angry at me. I felt forced to always be happy.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice and pretty comfortable - village stay real eye opener. Be aware no AC since it's a developing island and if you think you really can not handle the extreme heat and humidity please do not go on this program.

Actual Samoan cuisine very good but fresh fruits and vegetables can be hard to encounter unless you got to the market yourself. It's hard to eat healthy when you're on the island and meat is scarce on the island. Turkey tails are a common delicacy on the island but I don't recommend eating them - just the fatty part of the turkey that is deemed uneatable in other countries.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Oh yeah I got what I asked for all right. Amazing experience but at times overwhelmed with it all.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care is really not the best and if you have health problems do not go on this problem. Somebody in our program was allergic to peanuts and her host family FED HER PEANUTS.......this girl literally was on the verge of death but the program handled it appropriately at least and moved her into a much more caring and loving family that took care of her. One hospital available and you can get the care you need if dire and program director will definitely take care of you herself too - she is very loving and kind. Extreme heat and humidity - DO NOT GO ON THIS PROGRAM IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO THIS TIME OF CLIMATE. PLEASE LISTEN TO ME. Later in program it got better but especially during first half in wet season I'd find myself heaving over the toilet and vomiting because of how hot it was. Clean water hard to find and during fale resort excursion there really was NOT enough water for us and many people become sick from dehydration. Be mindful that measles incident just occurred.

Women are treated different from men and there is more sexim in this country than America. You may be catcalled everyday and will feel very uncomfortable when men come up and approach you. At one point three men literally huddled around me at the bus stop and a young boy touched himself on the bus while starring dead into my eyes. There were many other incidents.

It's a lot to handle but overall I guess it was a pretty good experience. When it wasn't amazing and breath-taking all I wanted was to come home.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Dorm
• Host Family

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• People
• Culture
• Sceneary

• SAFETY
• Enough water to drink
• Orientation about staying safe

The Academic or Linguist