READY TO GET BACK! Past Review
By Corey D. Smith (Morehouse College) - abroad from 08/24/2018 to 12/07/2018 with
SIT Study Abroad: South Africa - Social and Political Transformation
I realized my privilege in a way I’d never seen before. It was something that pushed me to see everyone as human, imperfect, yet dedicated to becoming their best.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The most intense part of the program was learning Zulu. However it’s very engaging. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Loved EVERYONE who worked directly with the program. Very family oriented, caring, and giving. I felt like I could truly depend on them to keep me both safe and excited. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It being my first experience abroad, I was down for pretty much whatever. They never had us anywhere unlivable. Every hostel was pretty much filled with us, so there was never a moment where I felt unsafe. |
| * Food: |
If it’s one thing I love, it’s great food! I expected South Africa to deliver and it did! Most dishes are made with fish and meat eaters in mind, so if you are a vegan, vegetarian, or anything other you may want to bring some protein bars. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being that I am Black, I fit right in majority of the time. The only barrier was language. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There were no real issues, and if there were our program coordinators were on it! |
| * 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) |
Due to the weight of the American dollar surviving was easy. I would suggest budgeting, it can be easy to spend more money than you intend. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | R250-300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Keep an eye on the exchange rate, budget enough for food, and gifts. If you plan on extra excursions, factor that in as well. Do research before arrival. |
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? | Spanish 202 |
| 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? | Practice with your host family after school if they are willing. But do not expect them to teach you! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That the program was not held at a university. |
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. |
