Mali: The best place to try new toilets, and discover yourself, and learn broken Frambara Past Review
By Fayel D (Biology, General., Carleton College) for
Study Abroad Programs in Mali
This experience was everything I hoped for and more, though not always in the ways I expected. I will go back to Mali.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was pleasantly manageable, the grading system generous, and the teaching methods were very French/European. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The host country administration was excellent, if a bit confusing at times. Each staff member thoroughly did their best to support, instruct, and advise the students at all times. Sometimes it was difficult to get things done, but this is the nature of life in Mali. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The home-stay was the best part about the program, though it was also the most difficult and individual. All of the families were middle class or upper class and safety was never an issue. |
| * Food: |
Vegetarians are tolerated, food variety is limited, and Vietnamese sandwiches are a welcome and cheap treat. Slowly getting your digestive system accustomed to street food (including tap water in the city) is the best, cheapest, and most delicious option. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The grand excursion, field trip to the Peace Corps office, and the week in the village. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Bamako felt incredibly safe. Go to the clinic at the first sign of trouble and when in doubt take cipro. The staff were incredibly supportive and helpful -- coming to my homestay family within minutes to take me to the clinic, helping me through difficult procedures, and checking in on me when I was sick. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
Finances
|
* 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20 a week for food and transportation guarantee a luxurious life. $5-10 would also work. Extra money for souvenirs -- $30 or $40 Hand-made clothing (and cloth) -- $30 or $40 Getting sick three times (clinical diagnosis, tests, and medicine) -- $150-$200 Cell phone, SIM card, and credit -- $80 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | ISP money goes a looong way. You don't need to spend your own money during this month. DON'T bring traveler's checks -- just bring a VISA credit card with a 4 digit PIN |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 210 (Intermediate) |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Host family, professors, everyday interactions with shopkeepers, tailors, public transportation, etc. All of the staff spoke English, but most other people did not. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is tough, but worth it. Most of the time it wasn't "fun" or "easy" but it was a wonderful, enjoyable, learning-filled, enriching experience. The successful, happy participant learns to adjust, be flexible, isn't picky about food, and can live with a very different standard of sanitation. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Bambara |
| Course Department: | |
| Instructor: | Lamine Bagayoko |
| Instruction Language: | French, English, and Bambara |
| Comments: | This class (and the professor) was one of the highlights of the academics. Each lesson was engaging, thorough, and interactive. The professor was enthusiastic, creative, supportive, and brilliant. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
