A study abroad like no other January 11, 2023
By A student (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/24/2022 to 12/06/2022 with
SIT Study Abroad: Samoa - Social and Environmental Change in Oceania
I was able to experience a different way that life can be. This program gave me knowledge, perspective, community, and field research experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
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 |
The academic director and assistant academic director are AMAZING and go above and beyond. Constantly accessible and supportive. Deeply talented educators who know how to support students through culture shock. Truly changed my life. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It is a country with a lean economy. You should not go in expecting the resources that the US has. The accommodations were relatively nice and exceeded my expectations. This being said, I came into the program with realistic expectations. |
| * Food: |
While I did not care for much of the traditional Samoan food, I was still happy for the opportunity to experience authentic cuisine. It is easy to find basic foods at grocery stores (rice, pasta, chicken, milk, etc). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The homestay was helpful with integration. When I participated in the program, it was limited by covid-19. I did not participate in a semester-long homestay, although the students currently in Samoa do have the opportunity to be in longer homestays. My cultural integration was successful because of my own intentional work. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare programs utilized by the program are helpful and accessible. Accessing specialized medical care is not always easy due to local infrastructure. However, the programs utilized ensure that students could be taken out of the country easily if necessary. |
| * Safety: |
This is a safe place. The program puts a lot of work into ensuring our safety. |
| 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? | 0 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Confirm the price of taxis before the ride. |
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? | Beginner |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Spend as much time as possible with your homestay! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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 wish I had more knowledge on what to pack and what to leave behind. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
