The best four months of my life! Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/10/2019 to 05/25/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad: Vietnam - Culture, Social Change and Development
Not only did I learn academically from my classes and excursions, but also experienced a lot of personal growth that I did not ever picture myself having. I left my semester abroad with new friends, family, and experiences that I will never forget. I am truly not the same person I was when I left in February.
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. |
Even though I had learned a lot, there wasn't much academic rigor and the professors were inconsistent. |
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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? |
I loved the homestay family experience! It was an amazing way to be fully immersed in the country. |
| * Food: |
No explanation needed. Vietnamese food is amazing and we were able to try food from every region. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being paired/interacting with local university students allowed me to explore the local culture on a more personal level and make international friends that will last a lifetime. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The insurance program and assistance were very helpful and responsive. |
| * 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) |
SIT provided us with many stipends to cover costs throughout the semester. Many of my friends left with surpluses. |
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 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Practice with your homestay family and use basic phrases with locals! |
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? | 10+ |
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? | You won't need half of the stuff you brought with you - bring less! You can always buy more in Vietnam. I did not think to bring what ended up being essential: probiotics, electrolytes, and a ton of bug spray & sunscreen |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
