Immersive Experience You Won't Regret! Past Review
By Meghan R (International Relations, Grand Valley State University) - abroad from 06/25/2015 to 07/13/2015 with
Study Abroad Programs in Rwanda
I learned so much about what it's really like inside of refugee camps and what that struggle looks like. I also gained a very real, inside perspective on what it's like to live as a refugee and how organizations like UNHCR handle the management of these camps. I also learned so much about how different cultures view human rights.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The coursework leading up to the in-country program required a fair amount of reading and online discussion with my peers. I found all of the readings to be interesting and informative. We had Skype conferences to talk about preparing for the trip and to discuss readings in more in-depth ways. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The GYC staff was great and really took care of us throughout our time in country. When I fell ill, they looked after me and made sure I had everything I needed. There are multiple staff available to talk to as well. The only way they could have improved was by having more orientation regarding public transportation. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our hotels were all very nice and clean. We stayed at two hotels and had one home-share experience. Our second hotel had some trouble with electricity and running water on occasion but that is to be expected. Everywhere we stayed, we had private bathrooms and shared a room with one or two other delegates. |
| * Food: |
The food was delicious and we were always given water for the day. I never felt hungry and it was very affordable to eat there if I decided to pick up extra snacks or drinks. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
With this program, you really get a full taste of what life is like in Rwanda. We traveled through different parts of the country and even visited a refugee camp. If you're looking for an immersive experience, I really recommend this program. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a bad cold during the trip and needed to be seen by a doctor when a fever developed. One of the program coordinators went with me to see a doctor and it was very inexpensive. All of the program coordinators made sure I was taken care of, had the medication I needed to feel better, and checked on me constantly. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe throughout my time in country. We were all given pre-paid cellphones so we could contact one another and the program coordinators. There is security everywhere and I never felt uncomfortable. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I learned so much about what I wanted academically and professionally after I participated in this program. I had experiences that greatly shaped the way I view the world and I would do it all over again if I could. |
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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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? | Packing less is better! I didn't need a lot of the things that I brought and we did move quite a bit. |
